Canadian StatisticsPopulation: 34 million

Life expectancy: 81 years

Average Temperature in July Quebec City 25 Vancouver 22

Average Temperature in January Quebec -16 Vancouver 1

National Hockey LeagueThis season in the National Hockey League,

52% of the players are Canadian

There are 7 Canadian hockey teams in the NHL 23 teams are American

There are 624,148 people are officially registered in hockey in Canada this year

So Why Are Canadians Crazy About Hockey??

#1 - Climate

In most parts of the country snow is on the ground 4-5 months of the year

If you can’t fight them….

#2 - EntertainmentDuring the playoffs, it is difficult to get into a

pub or restaurant playing the game

#3 – National PrideSince 1920, Canada has won 14/22

Olympic medals for Men’s hockey

Since it started 4 Olympics’ ago, Canadian women’s hockey has won 3 gold and 1 silver

1972 – russia vs canada

#4 – Our UpbringingCanadians grow up with names like

Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby

Outside school, people are playing hockey – whether on a lake, in a rink, or on the street

Everyone knows which NHL players came from their hometown

#4 – Our Upbringing

In school, we learn the story “The Hockey Sweater”

Rocket Richard, team

rivalries, and team pride

#5 – Fun Canadian Rivalries If you live in Northern Alberta, you are

required to hate the Calgary Flames

If you live in Southern Alberta, you are required to hate the Edmonton Oilers

UNLESS – your team gets knocked out of the playoffs, and the other team is the only other Canadian team left.

Same goes for Montreal and Toronto

#4 - Identity

Canadians see themselves as tough, rugged, able to get down and fight if needed

Make fun of sports with less contact - basketball

#5 – The mediaFrom September to June, there are

advertisements involving hockey everywhere you look

The Culture of HockeyWhen the days get shorter, and the air gets

colder, hockey gives Canadians something to look forward to, something to talk about, and a reason to leave the house

The Culture of Hockey

Living in the shadow of the United States, hockey gives Canadians something to be proud of, something to bond over, and something to identify with, when our identity is so diverse.