Ice Hockey Leagues
It is believed that the sport of ice hockey as it is played today, originated in Canada based on rules set forth by Canadian, J G Creighton in the late 1800s.
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Hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1908 and introduced to the Summer Olympics in 1920. The Canadians have traditionally dominated the sport winning medals in 14 of 22 events (8 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze). The United States has 11 medals (2 gold, 8 silver, and 1 bronze) and Russia has 9 medals (7 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze).
In 1926 the Canadian Prime Minister Stanley Park formed a league of professional hockey players that would play for a prize. Interestingly, the prize was a teapot. The incentive was popular enough to maintain interest, and evolved into the Stanley Cup, which is one of the most coveted trophies in the professional world of ice hockey. An interesting note about the Stanley Cup is that unlike other trophies that are remade each time they are awarded, the Stanley Cup is reused each year with the addition of the engraved names of the year’s winners.
In addition to the National Hockey League, which was founded in 1917, other professional hockey leagues around the world are becoming easier to locate. Recently, the Asia Hockey League (Japan and Korea) and the Kontinental Hockey League (Eurasia) have been created and are creating new fans for the sport. The United Kingdom has four leagues; Elite Ice Hockey League, English Premier Ice Hockey League, English National Hockey League, and the Scottish Ice Hockey League.
Ice hockey is truly a world sport, and can be enjoyed by everyone. The exhilaration of the game is phenomenal. It is a sport of challenge, dedication, and human triumph. It is non-stop, fast paced action that makes you want to stand up and cheer. If you are new to the sport or a long time fan, ice hockey is only growing in popularity. New teams are being formed quicker than the Zamboni can shave the ice.
With many games now being broadcasted on TV ice hockey has also been growing in popularity. Many more bookmakers are now offering great odds for ice hockey matches played in Canada, the United States and around Europe. There are several opportunities for fans to place hockey bets on, with World Championship tournaments, the NHL, and Winter Olympics all soon upon us. The up and coming months will be a dream for hockey fans, with no doubt being tempted to tune onto their television screens knowing that a championship is on the line.
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