Ice Hockey in Canada
Ice hockey is Canada’s official wintersport. Over 4.5 million Canadians are involved in the sport as players, coaches and volunteers. More than 2 million Canadians actively play the sport.
The sport was originally introduced into Canada by Europeans. Montreal, Halifax and Kingston all lay claim to be city where it all started in Canada. Nobody knows for sure and this is a controversy that will last for as long as the sport continues.
The first organization dealing with the administration and development of the sport was the Ontario Hockey Association starting in 1890. A national organization was formed in 1914.
More than 1.5 million games and 2 million practices are held every year and there are more than 3000 arena’s in Canada.
WE ARE A SKATING NATION
It's played on every level, by boys and girls, men and women. Starting with the very young ones, each community has Learn To Skate programs. Skating is part of the cirriculum at the public school level. Arena's are booked so full that many kids play at the local arena very early in the morning before school starts.
Parents are passionate about the game and for many their whole winter activity as a family unit evolves around practices and games.
Sport stores have used skate exchanges. Lots of used equipment is offered for sale. When playoff time comes around, hockey is all you hear about. It's a sport that brings communities together.
The most famous player of this time was Wayne Gretzky, known by his number, 99. He holds numerous records, he has been a player, a coach a manager and owner.
Canada has several teams playing in the National League, the NHL.
