What Is A Celly In Hockey?

Hockey's roots are in Canada, where it is at least as important as baseball or football are in the United States. True to its origins, the game has a developed language that those who are not intimately familiar with the game might not understand. Those that understand the language of the game might plan a "celly" for all fans to enjoy.

Celly -- Meaning

A "celly" is short for "celebration," and hockey provides many opportunities for celebration. When a player scores the first goal of his career, it's cause for a small celebration. When a team wins a game, the players will celebrate afterward. Making the playoffs can be the source of a major celebration for some teams. Teams that make it to the Stanley Cup Finals celebrate beforehand. The team that wins the Stanley Cup has a major celebration that can last all the way to the next training camp.

Hockey Goal -- Player Celebration

A goal in hockey can be a major event because the game is often low scoring. Teams frequently win by 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 margins. When players score a goal, the traditional celebration is to raise your stick over your head and embrace your teammates who are also on the ice. The goal might be the culmination of a great passing play or it could be a mistake by the defense.

Hockey Goal -- Home Crowd

When the home team scores a goal, the fans regularly go into a wild "celly." The crowd roars its approval as the goal judge turns on the red goal light and flashing lights and lasers often go off in the arena. Music blares and the stadium announcer gives the details on who scored the goal and who received assists. When a goal gives the home team the lead, it can also lead to a momentum shift in favor of the home team.

Stanley Cup Championship -- Major Celly

The goal of all NHL hockey teams is to win the Stanley Cup. After an 82-game regular season, the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference make the postseason playoffs. The surviving teams play best-of-seven series and the winners of each series keep on moving on. After you win three rounds, players play a final best-of-seven for the Stanley Cup. When one team wins four games, the Stanley Cup is handed out on the ice and every player on the winning team and certain coaches and front office members get to hold the cup and skate with it. Many home teams will hold a parade shortly after winning in which their city's fans get to salute their champions and see the cup. After those proceedings, each player on the winning team gets to have a day with the Stanley Cup. Many players take it to their home town and plan a major "celly" with friends and family members.