This website will argue that hockey is indeed, not only Canada’s game, but also Canada’s religion. The following aspects of hockey will be covered to provide evidence to support this statement. The website will look at rinks and arenas across the country, from ponds to the Air Canada Center, as the “churches” of hockey. Players and fans alike flock to arenas on game day as Christians attend mass each Sunday. The two places of worship are not only the similar for the timing of gatherings but also for their atmospheres. The sense of competiveness is not present within a church as it is at an arena, but the sense of hope, belief, and often times awe are feelings that are sensed at both an arena and a church (or any place of worship).Along with discussing hockey as its own religion the site will mention religions like Christianity with hockey. Professional hockey players, such as Mike Fisher and Marcus Nasland have discussed their religious beliefs and how these have helped developed their play. Also, Hockey Ministries International, an organization that has developed hockey camps with Christian training also, will be discussed. These beliefs combined with hockey’s pop culture implicit religion create a form of religion all of its own,  or strongly increase one or the other.
 

 

The site will also discuss the tradition of Hockey Night in Canada, and Don Cherry’s Coaches Corner as a form of mass and sermon. Ever since I was little, in our house, and in a countless number of houses across Canada, Saturday night was hockey night. We would gather in the living room to watch the game and of course listen to Don Cherry given his weekly sermon.  Cherry is known for his bright suits, strong opinions on hockey and controversial quotes. Cherry is a well-known figure throughout the hockey world whose opinion is often discussed and valued by many, similar to that of a minster or priest.