Exploring the Unknown: Hockey-Related Facts You May Not Hear Of

In this article, we will delve into unknown hockey trivia that will enrich your knowledge and ignite your love for the game.

Representational image; Credit: chandlervid85 from Freepik
By Karthik Raman | Feb 29, 2024 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Hockey has become more and more beloved by passionate fans around the world. Hockey bets and the professional and dedicated players that evolved as the sport has turned it into top-notch entertainment. 

While you may understand the game, prepare to be surprised by these unusual facts you may never heard of. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or just starting to feel the excitement of hockey, there’s always something to discover about this sport, there is always something unexpected that has been spotted. 

In this article, we will delve into unknown hockey trivia that will enrich your knowledge and ignite your love for the game. Now, buckle up, grab a stick, and get ready to explore the thrilling world of hockey.

SUB: Hockey dates back thousands of years

Hockey has its origins in ancient times. The hockey game has been played for millennia, with its origins traced to the eras of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These early variations of hockey, which used sticks and balls, were forerunners of the current game. 

According to historical accounts, a primitive version of the game was played in Ethiopia approximately 1,000 BC and in Egypt 4,000 years ago. It is also known that an old version of the game was played in Iran in approximately 2,000 BC. 

There is proof from a number of museums that the Aztecs, Romans, and Greeks all played a variation of the game several centuries before Christopher Columbus reached the New World.

The development of public schools like Eton is largely responsible for the emergence of the modern game of hockey in England in the middle of the 18th century.

The first official set of hockey regulations was created in 1876 when the first Hockey Association was established in the UK. Nine founding member clubs resurrected the association in 1886 after it had only existed for six years.

Hockey was part of the Summer Olympics

Up until 1924, hockey was a part of the Summer Olympics.

Hockey was a participating sport in the Summer Olympics in its early years. But later on, it was shifted to the Winter Olympics, beginning with the inaugural Winter Olympics. Since then, hockey has grown in popularity as an Olympic winter sport.

Men’s Olympic hockey competitions were first staged in London in 1908, with competitions from Wales, Scotland, England, and Ireland. The competition featured six teams after France and Germany were added.

Hockey was removed from the 1912 Stockholm Games after it had made its debut at the London Games due to host countries’ authority over “optional sports.” Following criticism from supporters of Belgian hockey, it was removed again in Paris in 1924 but then reintroduced in Antwerp in 1920.

Though it did not come about in time for the Olympics in Paris, the International Hockey Federation’s creation in 1924 did allow hockey to return to Amsterdam in 1928. Since then, hockey has been a part of the schedule; women’s hockey was added for the first time in Moscow in 1980.

Fastest ice hockey shot in NHL

In hockey history, the fastest shot ever measured was 108.8 mph. 

The day was January 29, 2012, during the NHL All-Star Skills Competition held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The crowd went crazy as Zdeno Chara, representing the USA and captain of the Boston Bruins, broke the record for the fastest shot in hockey history. His shot was so strong that it traveled at an amazing 108.8 miles per hour (175.5 km/h), surprising not only the fans but everybody in the whole world. 

It was an extremely unique occasion since the energy in order to achieve this speed is a physical limit. Let’s not forget that energy consists of two elements: mass and velocity. These were two factors that were involved in Chara’s shot.

This implies that the precise location of the stick’s contact with the ice was important, and depending on the stick’s length and height, that location may vary for each person. The ability to coordinate energy transfer from multiple sources to the puck for maximum effect is essential to achieve the fastest speeds.

Chara’s shot was not lucky. He had been practicing day and night. And it was worthy.

It is the fastest shot in NHL history recorded as a Guinness World Record

The record for most goals scored goes to Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky is the only player with more than 2,000 points, that is 970 more than Messier, who finished second despite playing in 269 more games. Jaromir Jagr is currently leading the point standings with 1,653 points.

In order to surpass Gretzky’s record, a player would have to score slightly less than 143 points annually for 20 years. But just like he said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”