NHL: Why I love Hockey

By Steve "Supreme Commander" Cernak

As one of seven Americans that still proudly claims to love hockey, it's tough to get NHL content up. I want to talk about, say, the Rangers beating the rival Devils. The Devils dominated the first two periods and were up 2-0, which led to an emotional speech given by Head Coach Tom Renney at intermission.

Then, the third period started and the Rangers exploded for three goals in a 90 second span--2 G by double shifting Jaromir Jagr followed by Brendan Shannahan's game winner. Martin Brodeur melted down against the Rangers, a team he sports 33 career wins against.

That flurry allowed the Rangers to tie the Devils atop the division. The win was because of toughness, determination and all the other emotions we embrace in the sporting world.

That was introduction as to why hockey is a great game. If you don't agree, here are three reasons you should get into hockey:

1. There isn’t a better live game. Hockey is a game of speed and passion, which is difficult to capture on television. Unless you’ve played or seen a game live, it is impossible to tell how the play is developing on a screen but it all makes sense live because you can see everything.
2. There aren’t better fans. Hockey fans are just as passionate about the sport as the players. I get into more hockey-related arguments than any other sport. Considering hockey is no where near as popular as it used to be or as the other sports, that says something about how much the fans care.
3. There isn’t a better postseason. Of all the professional sports, the Stanley Cup Playoffs is by far the most compelling. The team that ultimately hoists the Stanley Cup over their heads is the one that has the most grit, passion and determination.

That’s really what I love about hockey. The Cup winning team is usually decided by emotion, intensity, discipline, hard work and leadership. Every fundamental emotion, feeling or philosophy the sports world values are present in determining the league champion.

Not to mention I love Canadian beer.