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American vs. Canadian Ice Hockey: Comparing American and Canadian Styles of Hockey
Published
2 years agoon
The game of ice hockey – as we currently know it, was completely different when it started thousands of years ago. Historical records show that a primitive form of the game was played around 4000 years ago in Egypt and around 1000 BC in Ethiopia. Of course, these ancient replicas were not hockey but resembled the sport in many ways.
Today, the National Hockey League boasts over 2 million spectators and dedicated fans. Some of the best hockey players in the world play in the league, and many sports bettors around the world bet on NHL odds. According to a study by Nielsen Sports in 2018, NHL betting revenue from legal and regulated sports betting may increase by $216 million annually. It shows how much the game has grown since its inception.
Today, the most prominent forms of hockey are played in America and Canada, which have led to several debates and rivalries in recent times. There have been questions like, where did modern hockey start? What are the major differences between Canadian and American hockey? This article will answer some of these questions.
Where Did Ice Hockey Start?
While the origin of hockey is dated back to the archaic period, the history of modern hockey is contemporary.
The modern game was introduced not that long ago. Many Canadian cities like Windsor and Nova have contested for recognition of the first hockey game being played in their cities. However, the first hockey game was played in 1875 in Montreal, Quebec. The officials established the first published rules in 1877.
Ice hockey has drastically evolved since its introduction in 1875. It’s now one of the most popular sports in the world.
Are There Any Differences Between American and Canadian Hockey?
Since the inclusion of the American Boston Bruins into the then Canadian teams’ constituted NHL in 1924, hockey has been widely accepted in America.
However, there are rivalry and conflicts regarding which country has the best hockey players and which variant is better. While both countries play the same sport, there are some differences between Canadian and American Hockey. Some of the most notable differences include:
1. Playing Hockey is More Expensive in America
Most American hockey players come from the elite and privileged class. That’s because of the game’s expensive set-ups. The average cost for basic hockey equipment in the US is approximately $585. Aside from the need for travel costs, tuition fees, food, knock-on-wood, injury fees, and many other expenses, these run into thousands of dollars. A helmet alone could cost up to $110, and shoulder and elbow pads could cost about $80 each.
However, in Canada, the story is different. The New York Times reports that purchasing hockey equipment costs between 500 to 1,000 Canadian dollars for a season. That’s about 380 to 760 USD. Hockey is an expensive sport, and many lower-income players cannot afford to get the necessary equipment. However, while it’s also costly in Canada, it’s more affordable.
2. Canadians Seem to be More Passionate About the Sport
It’s no news that hockey is a Canadian game. Most Canadian citizens grew up watching and breathing the game. They grew up seeing the likes of Mark Messier, Gordie Howe, Marcel Dionne, and even the stunning 1961-born athlete Wayne Gretzky, who often featured on Hockey Night in Canada.
Apart from being the national sport, it’s also integrated into their daily lives like school sports and games. Canadian players and spectators play and watch hockey with unwavering intensity and loyalty.
However, in the United States, the mainstream sports are American football, basketball, and baseball, while hockey and golf come last in the order of preference. In addition to this, the Bleacher Report article revealed that many Americans don’t watch hockey. Unlike their Canadian counterparts, Americans are not as passionate about hockey.
3. Limitations
While hockey is a game for everyone in Canada, it’s more of a regional sport in America because of its restriction to the upper class in the United States. The fact that hockey is expensive contributes to its popularity in rich states and affluent families.
North American and European Hockey
While there is not much difference in playing styles of North American neighbors, American and Canadian hockey, there is a huge difference between North American and European hockey in that regard.
For example, North American hockey allows fighting. It’s considered an official way of playing the game. Fighting appeals to fans and heightens the tension in the game and the value of entertainment. It’s now a traditional code in North American hockey. Rule 46 of the NHL allows referees to give the proper punishment and penalties after a fight.
In European hockey, it’s strictly prohibited. Any form of violence during the game results in a red card. The player is ushered out of the rink.
Conclusion
Hockey is like any other sport that connects and entertains people. While both the Canadian and American versions of the sport fulfill the primary goals, some disparities exist.
However, most of these differences are mainly in the playing cultures and fans’ acceptance. Essentially, both countries play the same kind of hockey in terms of the rules of the game.
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NFL International Games 2022: Teams, Venues, Dates & Times for International Football Matchups
Published
2 years agoon
August 25, 2022
The National League Football is America’s most popular sports league, and it has made it openly clear that it plans to expand its reach beyond the shores of the country.
For a long time, the league has experimented playing games internationally over the years, with the first of its kind being a 2005 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico.
The league is once again planning to tour internationally, beginning in October. For the first time ever, three different countries in Europe and North America will host the 2022 NFL international series. There will be five international games played; three in the United Kingdom, one in Mexico, and one on German soil.
Last year, the league announced that it would be expanding the regular season, beginning from the 2022 season. With that being said, the 2022 international games would feature ten teams who made the playoffs last year, plus the NFC North and NFC South champions.
It is worth noting that the 2021 NFL international series only featured two games, both played in London; the Atlanta Falcons vs the New York Jets, and the Jacksonville Jaguars vs the Miami Dolphins.
Here’s the NFL 2022 schedule for international games as announced by the league:
- Fixture: Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
Date: Sunday, Oct. 2
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Live broadcast: NFL Network
- Fixture: New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
Date: Sunday, Oct. 9
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Live broadcast: NFL Network
- Fixture: Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Live broadcast: ESPN+
- Fixture: Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Date: Sunday, Nov. 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live broadcast: NFL Network
- Fixture: San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Monday, Nov. 21
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Live broadcast: ESPN
Source: NFL.com
The 2022 NFL international games kick off with consecutive weekends in North London at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, where the EPL soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur F.C., plays its home games.
This year will mark the third time the Saints and Vikings play in the UK. The two teams will play at Tottenham Hotspur stadium for the first time ever. Both teams have won their previous two UK games, so it will definitely be interesting, and you can place a bet online to see who comes out on top come Sunday, October 2.
The next Sunday will feature the NFC North champions, the Green Bay Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers and the New York Giants. Green Bay earned a spot in this year’s international series after clinching the NFC North for the third year in a row. This marks their first-ever regular season game overseas.
As for the Giants, this will be their third appearance on London soil. They were previously featured in 2007 at Wembley Stadium against the Dolphins and in 2016 at Twickenham against the Los Angeles Rams, winning both games.
Next is the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium. This venue was the first stadium in Europe to host a regular season NFL game as 81,176 fans were present to watch the face-off between the Giants and Dolphins.
The Jaguars are making their ninth regular season trip overseas. They were featured in a 26-3 loss against the Houston Texans at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium last year, but will be returning to Wembley after previously making seven straight appearances from 2013 to 2019.
The Broncos are making their first trip back to the UK since their 24-14 loss against the 49ers at Wembley in 2010. Denver’s superstar QB Russell Wilson will be making his first international appearance as well.
On November 13, the NFL will play its first-ever regular season game in Germany featuring the two-time Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Super Bowl XLVIII winners the Seattle Seahawks. The game will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Bavaria where Bundesliga soccer team FC Bayern Munich plays its home games.
The NFL will bring the final game of the international series close to home at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The venue is no stranger to NFL games and will yet again host a NFC West rivalry game between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, a rematch of the first-ever NFL regular season game played outside the US.
NFL International Regular Season Games Since 2017
2017
Ravens (7) vs Jaguars (44) – Wembley
Saints (20) vs Dolphins (0) – Wembley
Cardinals (0) vs Rams (33) – Twickenham
Vikings (33) vs Browns (16) – Twickenham
Patriots (33) vs Raiders (8) – Azteca
2018
Seahawks (27) vs Raiders (3) Wembley
Titans (19) vs Chargers (20) – Wembley
Eagles (24) vs Jaguars (18) – Wembley
2019
Bears (17) vs Raiders (21) – Tottenham
Panthers (37) vs Buccaneers (26) – Tottenham
Bengals (10) vs Rams (24) – Wembley
Texans (26) vs Jaguars (3) – Wembley
Chiefs (24) vs Chargers (17) – Azteca
Jets (20) vs Falcons (27) Tottenham
2021
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How Media Professionals Have Contributed to the Growth of the NFL
Published
2 years agoon
August 17, 2022
The media’s impact on the growth and success of the NFL is invaluable. Being able to consistently project and maintain a vibrant media image has brought remarkable dividends to the NFL.
Media professionals have contributed immensely to the NFL’s growth, including in the sports betting sector. Because of the involvement of media professionals with the NFL, many NFL bettors can now take advantage of promotional offers that have similar benefits as 400% Casino bonuses.
Exploring the media’s impact on the NFL will offer appreciable insights into how media professionals improve other lower American football structures in the United States.
The NFL’s Relationship with the Media
Since the NFL’s establishment in 1922, no professional sports body has reached its growth, success, and stability level in America. Beyond America, no professional sports body has annual revenue and profit as the NFL. What is the staying power behind the NFL’s incredible success?
The NFL’s success is tied to its relationship with the media. This relationship developed in 1939 when the NFL began to televise its games. It has birthed several innovations that continue to align the NFL and American football with success.
The Media’s Contribution to the Growth of the NFL
The media has improved how American football is viewed and received by audiences. Media professionals have also improved American football’s marketing and business.
While most sports bodies will float internal media platforms to handle their games and other media responsibilities, the NFL has maintained a vibrant relationship with traditional and new media outlets.
This is the main reason why the changing media landscape has not affected American football as drastically as other sports in America.
Some benefits of the NFL partnership with the media are:
Revenue Generation
The biggest revenue source for NFL teams is the annual National Broadcast rights fees. The NFL’s marketing enterprise pays a lot of attention to media campaigns such as advertisements, promotions, TV broadcasts of games, publicizing, etc., that generate revenue.
Viewership Growth
The Super Bowl in February recorded over 100 million viewers within America. This mind-blowing figure could only be conceived due to the NFL’s collaboration with several traditional and digital media outlets.
The NFL’s media coverage creates a balanced space for stakeholders to air their views without inhibitions. Everyone has a media platform to air their opinions, from fans to NFL stars, NFL teams, journalists, etc. When every stakeholder has a voice, tackling issues becomes easier.
Availability of Information
NFL fans are always curious about the latest information about their teams. Many bet on NFL games. Therefore, they need to gain insights into their team’s activities and chances.
Media professionals provide the latest and balanced analysis weekly during the NFL season or seasonal breaks. With the media, NFL fans are guaranteed undiluted interactions and information right at the tip of their fingers.
Conclusion
The NFL and American football have benefitted from new and traditional media coverage due to their long-term relationship with the media. Unlike other sports bodies, the NFL has always accommodated the media. They have also given media professionals a free hand to thrive. That is why the media has delivered immense benefits to the NFL and American football.
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How Does the Media Contribute to Live Sports Experiences?
Published
2 years agoon
August 4, 2022
The relationship between the media and sports is communal. Both sports and the media work together to deliver premium live sports experiences to both the fans in the sports arena and those watching on their devices at home.
Many sports fans are oblivious of the many roles that the media plays in creating live sports experiences. Most of the media’s roles are in the background but are very important to the success of sports events. The media is the backbone behind all the entertainment that sports provide. Even on sites like this, the media contributes to the entertainment delivered to slot players.
The media’s role doesn’t start and end with the game’s coverage on your television, radio, and other devices. The media begins to contribute to the success of every live sports event right from the beginning, i.e., the planning stage. It doesn’t even end when the lights in the sports ground go out, and sports fans return to the comfort of their homes feeling satisfied by their team’s performance. The media carries on for much longer by keeping the conversations flowing and preserving the memories forever.
Important roles the media plays in live sports
Without the media, sports events may not be a big source of entertainment. The media wields a lot of influence on the success of sporting events. Still, many sports fans trivialize the role of the media.
Here are some ways the media contributes to the spectacular live sports experiences and entertainment that sports fans get from sports events:
● Event format and schedule
Right at the start, the media contributes to planning any major sports events. Only the media can guarantee a perfect schedule for sports events, especially those meant to reach international audiences. Sports organizers usually work with licensed media providers to help them determine the right time to start the sports events. The media also contributes to the format of sports events and helps design the different stages of any sports competition.
● Publicity
Publicity is perhaps the most popular role of the media in live sports events. Publicity is important. The media provides the tools to disseminate information to sports fans about the upcoming sports events. The media also makes them look forward excitedly to the event. The media promotes the sports event and drives it to the subconscious mind of sports fans using different tools and strategies. Countdowns, pundit analysis, opinion polls, game reviews, fan predictions, pre-game press conferences, etc., are just some of the tried and tested media promotional strategies that hype the buildup for live sports events.
● In-game entertainment
The media is present at every step of the process that contributes to live sports experiences. Most sports fans relish the experience of being physically present at sports arenas because of the thrills and frills that the live sports experience offers. From sports arena announcements that charge the crowd to music that gets them in the groove. Fan cams and social media discussions keep fans engaged in sports arenas hosting live events.
● Ongoing Conversations
When the game ends, the media keeps the flames of the sports events alive. From press conferences to game analysis, game reviews, interviews with players and fans, and sports events reportage on television, the media helps to sustain the momentum of sports events long after they have ended. This allows fans to relive their experiences and positions them to look forward to the next sports event.
● Event Appraisal
The media holds a vantage viewing position in every sports event. The Media can see far and wide, and can help organizers to understand several areas that need improvement. As long as the media’s roles throughout the sports event are not relegated, they can map out future objectives to help organizers deliver a bigger and better sports event.
● Keeping Memories Alive
The media also serves as a memory bank and reference point for sports fans to rediscover sports events whenever they like. Sports event memories are treasures that can never be lost with the media.
Conclusion
The media’s role is enormous. It contributes immensely to the success of live sports events. Sports fans need to respect sports media professionals because of their contribution to the success of sports events.
