The Winter Olympics roll around every four years, and two of the most popular sports to watch are ice hockey and curling. Both are played on sheets of ice, however, the games are completely different because curling is more like playing shuffleboard on ice while hockey is a full-contact sport. Each sport is played in the Olympics, recreationally and in professional leagues. Both curling and hockey require their own equipment, talents and positions and the winning team, as well as standout players, are eligible for awards.
History
Curling is believed to be one of the world's oldest team sports, according to the World Curling Federation. Sixteenth century artist Pieter Bruegel painted pictures of an activity on ice similar to curling and in 1540 the first written evidence of the sport appeared in Scotland when a notary recorded a challenge between two people that consisted of sliding a rock along the ice. Ice hockey originated in the early 19th century in Canada and a puck was substituted for a ball around 1860. Both hockey and curling have been a part of the Winter Games since 1924. In hockey, two teams compete to score the most goals against their opponent. In curling, two teams take turns throwing stones toward the target and the team with the highest number of points wins.
Equipment
Curlers need a brush and either a clean pair of running shoes and curling tape or curling shoes, one which has a Teflon coating on the bottom for sliding. Hockey players need skates, hockey pants, hockey socks, shin guards, groin protection, a chest protector, elbow pads, hockey gloves, a helmet, a jersey and a stick. Most hockey clubs and rinks will provide pucks, but you may want to purchase some extras for practice. A curling club or team usually has a set of stones, but you may need to furnish your own if you intend to start a club or play with friends.
Positions
Curling teams consist of four people, with each person throwing two stones. The positions include a lead, second, vice and skip. The lead throws the first stone, then sweeps the other team members' shots. The second throws the second stone and sweeps for the lead and the second. The skip is the team captain, who throws the last stone and tells the other players when to sweep. Hockey teams consist of six people on the ice at any given time; a goaltender and five skaters. Three skaters play offense as a center, right wing and left wing, and are primarily responsible for scoring. The other two skaters play right and left defense and are primarily responsible for not allowing the opposing team to score on their goal. The goaltender stays close to the net and is responsible for keeping the puck out of the net.
Championships and Awards
Curlers and hockey players who play in the Olympics are eligible for the gold, silver and bronze medals. The World Curling Federation gives the Frances Brodie Award to the female player who best exemplifies the traditional curling values of skill, honesty, fair play, friendship and sportsmanship. The Collie Campbell Memorial Award is the award for the male curler who best exemplifies the same values. The World Curling Freytag Award honors the curlers who make major advances and contributions to the development of the sport. Within the National Hockey League, teams play for the Stanley Cup, the oldest trophy for which professional athletes compete. The winning playoff team in the Eastern conference wins the Prince of Wales trophy, while the winning team in the Western conference gets the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. The player with the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct earns the Lady Byng trophy.
References
- The City of Windsor, Ontario, Canada: Curling Facts, History and How to Play
- World Curling Federation: WCF Curling Awards
- World Curling Federation: History of Curling
- Olympic.org; Ice Hockey Equipment and History; 2009
- Dummies.com; Ice Hockey Positions Explained; "Hockey for Dummies, 2nd Edition"; John Davidson and John Steinbreder; September 2000
- Legends of Hockey; Silverware; Hockey Hall of Fame
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