Five Reasons Why You Should Give Hockey a Chance

First, a note: this blog will not be all hockey-related stuff, but since it's the playoffs, and there's some great action going on right now, I figure it'd be great to get a little more publicity for one of my favorite sports. With that said, we may begin.

I've talked to my friends alot about hockey. There's a couple that are decent fans. I've even invited some over to my place to watch my beloved team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, play during the playoffs. I get a few response: none, "hockey sucks", or "hockey? really?" Well, here are some reasons to sit down and flip a game on. Consequently, there's one on tonight: Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 ET on Versus. Commence the listing!

1. It's completely unpredictable. Yeah, you could say this about any sport, but there's greater chances something can happen. In hockey, one bad pass can lead to a turnover that's immediately turned into a goal at the other end. The goalie misplays a puck, loses his stick, and it bounces in front of the net for an easy goal (Pens vs Capitals, game 3). A simple penalty turns into a power play, and seconds later it's in the net, causing a huge momentum swing. These simple things (with the exception of #2) happen frequently in games, and the plays both goaltenders, forwards, and defensemen do can be absolutely fantastic to watch.

2. It's wickedly fast paced. The game is at its best when it's a vertical game. Pucks get cycled fast from behind the net back up to the top of the blue line, and shots and chances fly constantly. Even if the scores seem low like in soccer, the area is much smaller and it's much more dramatic. There's nothing like a gigantic rebound in front of the net and 4-5 people fighting to claim it.

3. Most passionate fan bases. Soccer comes a close second, here but look at this. People got ravenously upset about Montreal's absolutely dismal 100th season. Philadelphians bitched out Sidney Crosby in the Wachovia Center (including fighting Pens fans in the building). Crowds with their own nicknames such as the "C" of Red in Calgary. Arenas with their own awesome nicknames such as the Shark Tank (H.P. Pavilion). Carolina's rabid fan base. In each of these locations, hockey's thriving and it's not relenting. In some places, hockey has been a hard sell, such as Columbus, Atlanta, and Phoenix (the Phoenix Coyotes may move to Canada), but the places where it's found a unique home. However, even with such a small fan base, find me a set of Cleveland Browns fans who care more about their team than Montreal Canadiens fans.

4. Best athletes as people. Yeah, you got your Sean Averys and your Todd Bertuzzis and your Marty McSorleys, but most of them are amazing people off the ice. They give huge amounts to charity and donate their time to help people in need, even the enforcers known for fighting. Most teams try really hard to give back to their communities and the players give it all in this department, which is great to see.

5. Stars. Good ones, too. You've got Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Two big stars, playing against each other, and two incredible huge playoff performances for them both. They are showing why they deserve as much attention as Kobe or Lebron in the NBA or Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in the NFL.

So, there's your five things. Now, go watch tonight's game. Or tomorrow's Pens game at 7:00. I will be watching that. Like going to the net, if you watch hockey, good things will happen.