by Dan Adkisson
Hockey is one of the most popular and loved team sports in the world. It stands out for its high team speed, phenomenal combinations, fights, and excitement. It is no wonder that there are so many people who are in love with hockey and watch hockey matches on a regular basis. The popularity is well-explained and has many grounds.
Another interesting fact is that many gambling enthusiasts, in particular Zodiac Casino users, love this sport. For them and for all hockey fans in general, we have collected 5 interesting facts about this exciting sport in this review.
#1 – The First Puck Was Square
The initial puck used in hockey had a square form and was even made of wood. Previously, hockey was played with an ordinary rubber ball that was uncontrolled and frequently flew out of windows, people, and so on. Then one day it occurred to me to cut the top and bottom of the rubber ball and insert a wooden washer. This is how the puck prototype, which is presently used by both experts and amateurs, was created.
#2 – Throwing The Puck
Until 1914, refs did not throw the puck in, but instead placed it on the ice and then withdrew their hands. Because of the players’ rapid reactions, the officials were frequently hit with clubs in their hands. As a result, the puck face-off, as we can see now, debuted in 1914. The number of injuries to referees instantly dropped.
#3 – Pittsburgh Penguins Who Lost on Purpose
The Pittsburgh Penguins collected 38 points in the 1983–84 NHL season, the team’s worst record in league history. The Penguins had major financial issues, but on top of that, the club’s managers and coaches made bizarre judgments concerning team makeup and tactics on a regular basis. Later, they revealed that they purposefully dragged the club down since finishing last gave them the right to the first pick in the draft, where the most promising young hockey player, Mario Lemieux, awaited them. He quickly rose to the position of Penguins captain, leading the club to Stanley Cup victories in 1990–91 and 1991–92. In the NHL, the first pick is now a lottery among all non-playoff clubs.
#4 – The Most Common Hockey Sign
How can you determine whether the Stanley Cup final is approaching at a glance? Look at hockey players’ faces if you can see them through their beards. In 1980, the Islanders had four games in five days and determined it wasn’t a dishonor to go without a razor under such conditions. In the final, they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. Furthermore, the New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in a row. As a result, the practice of not shaving one’s beard grew widespread and is still practiced today.
#5 – The Stanley Cup
Long recognized as the most prestigious trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup has a long list of crazy stories attached to it. Since 1995, it’s become customary for each player on the winning team to have the trophy for one full day. Some events have been rather respectful, while others have been on the creative side. For example, many players have opted to eat breakfast from the Cup. Goaltender Martin Brodeur ate salted popcorn from the Cup while lying in front of the TV during the summer of 2003. There have also been instances where hockey players baptized their children with the Stanley Cup. Long before the ‘Day with a Player’ tradition began, the Cup was involved in a myriad of memorable stories — including the Maple Leafs throwing into a bonfire during a post-playoff celebration, and the Pittsburgh Penguins were said to have thrown it in a swimming pool. It’s also been dented — and even lost — along the way.