Calling all hockey fans! If you like nothing more than the zip and zing of ice hockey at its full-throttle fastest – and are partial to watching the latest sin bin saga unfold in front of your eyes – we have good news for you. There are a handful of ways you can enjoy your beloved sport even more!
So the next time you’re planning to take in the big match and gearing up for the faceoff, why not try out one of these tactics to enhance your experience even further? You’re sure to discover something you hadn’t considered before that can add an additional dollop of excitement to proceedings. Give it a go yourself!
Attend in person
This one is a no-brainer, since there are a number of reasons why sporting events are always more enjoyable when experienced in the flesh. Chief among them is the inimitable atmosphere that a live audience generates, as well as the adrenaline rush you get from hearing the slap of stick on puck and the crack of human flesh on ice. Though attending a match live might be trickier for some people than others, it’s something that should be experienced by all hockey fans at least once in their life.
Put some money on it
Have you ever heard the phrase, “it matters more when there’s money on it”? That’s true for all sports and ice hockey is no exception. These days, the multitude of markets available to you mean it’s possible to lay wagers on all aspects of a game, far beyond the mere outcome. Head down to your local sportsbook outlet – or simply visit one online – and back a player to score, a team to triumph or whichever other variable takes your fancy. Just remember to listen to your head rather than your heart, or you could end up out of pocket!
Try 3-ICE
Have you heard of 3-ICE? This exhilarating new form of the sport makes its debut in 2022 and features six teams of three outfield players (plus a goaltender) duke it out across nine venues throughout North America. The rules of the game have been tweaked to encourage faster play and more attacking forays; goaltenders can roam freely out of their box, for example, while the puck cannot return beyond the red line once it’s crossed the blue one. With everything geared towards offense, it’s sure to be a great new way to enjoy the sport.
Play fantasy ice hockey
Fantasy sports games are sweeping the world right now. As a way of involving yourself in the action more in a more immersive manner, fantasy ice hockey simply can’t be beaten. What’s more, it’s also a fantastic way for newbies to the sport to familiarise themselves with more players and gain a greater understanding the game more thoroughly. And that’s before we even get to the competitive element of pitting your wits against your friends! What’s not to like?
Hockey isn’t Canada’s national sport for nothing – and these four ways of enhancing your enjoyment are sure to whet your appetite for next season even more.
