The unique talent of hockey players

Posted Jun 3, 2008 by ■ David Silverberg in Sports 2 comments

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When I was watching the Detroit-Pittsburgh game last night, a realization struck me: Hockey is unique in the world of sports because of how the players move. They have to skate at breakneck speeds to score, pass, bodycheck, line-change, etc. I know what you're thinking: Well, duh Dave, what else is new? But I've never thought about how difficult hockey can be, and why that's so.

Look at all the other sports -- they use running as their main mode of movement. Basketball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, you name it, all use regular old cleats or sneakers. Not so with hockey -- players have to balance themselves on a thin blade and deke around players on one of the most slippery surfaces imaginable.

Maybe I'm in awe of NHL prowess because I can't skate very well. Or maybe the talent overflowing from last night's game sent me into a tizzy of slack-jawed amazement. Either way, I'll continue enjoying Stanley Cup hockey with the knowledge of how talented these players truly are, no matter if they win or lose.

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Posted Jun 3, 2008 by ■ Samantha A. Torrence
#1

I really don't follow sports that much, but I got see a hockey game once, it was so much fun. I think it was the Pittsburgh Penquins even.

I don't play Ice hockey, but when I was younger I was a mean floor hockey player, absolutely ruthless! lol one of those games I didn't get picked last in Gym class.

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Posted Jun 3, 2008 by ■ Alex Chumak
#2

I'm with you Dave, especially since i don't skate myself. I have immense respect for stamina and skill of hockey players.

I do play ball hockey a couple of times a week and there are many players who play both ice and floor. What i often hear from them is that it is easier to deke on ice than while running. The reason is that you can glide while doing all the hand movements but when you have no skates you have to keep your feet in constant motion to get past anyone. So i hear...

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