Is ice hockey waiting to explode into the UK?

As we approach 20 years since the formation of the Elite Ice Hockey League, James Taylor looks at ice hockey's potential within the UK

Wikimedia Commons/ Cardiff Potter

Coventry Blaze in action

Coventry Blaze in action

End to end action, played at a ferocious pace, loaded with aggression. What is not to love about ice hockey?

It is an amazing sport and with the teams of the ‘Elite Ice Hockey League’ (top ice hockey league in the UK) dotted around the country, everyone has access to matches. With the tickets more fairly priced than other popular sports, such as football and rugby, it does feel like a sport set to explode in popularity.

I recently went to watch Coventry Blaze take on Fife Flyers in an Elite Ice Hockey league match and as an avid football fan as well, I found myself contrasting the matchday experiences.

It goes without saying to say the venue are not as jaw-dropping, but the Skydome provides an intimate matchday experience for supporters.

The matchday experience starts well before the face off, with the work of ‘Scorch the dragon’, the Blaze mascot. As he attempts to ‘warm up the crowd’ prior to kick-off, he throws notes into the crowd with names of the players on. If the player on your note scores the opening goal, then you win a free jersey.

Nice gestures such as this are often missed in the over-commercialisation of other British sport, notably football.

Wikimedia Commons/ Blazehockey

Skydome Arena, Coventry

Skydome Arena, Coventry

It feels like the game gets underway as supporters welcome the Blaze onto the rink. There is a lightshow, as supporters put their hands together to welcome the team, but it does not prepare you for the speed and intensity, when the game gets underway.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the opening third came when Blaze found themselves with a power play. This means the opposition have a player in the ‘penalty box’, which for the majority of offences, carries a two-minute punishment.

Blaze in an attempt to take the lead, momentarily substituted their goaltender for an additional outfield player. Although they did not score, such moves highlight attacking intent within ice hockey.

Such attacking gestures are mirrored throughout the match. The game is relentless from start to finish. It is impossible to not a spare a thought for the individual tasked with recording the game, even keeping pace with the puck as a spectator is a challenge.

This match lacked the tightness many ice hockey games have, as Blaze took control of the game through the second and third thirds of the game. They ultimately won 5-0, but until the final whistle, both sides were trying their utmost best to score.

Such intensity until the end is mirrored in few sports.

The atmosphere was enjoyable for all, combining family inclusivity with a desire to win. Cries of “Coventryyyyy” echoed by “Blaze” could be heard from start to finish and as the game entered its final minute, the arena rose to its feet to clap the team along.

The atmosphere at the final whistle retained this inclusive element. The Flyers received a lap of applause before leaving the field, allowing the celebrations to start. After applauding the supporters, the Blaze skated back into the changing rooms, with an important victory secured.

Ice hockey truly has the properties needed for huge growth. Once people have the opportunity to get to games, it feels inevitable the hype around the sport will then follow.

Wikimedia Commons/ Cardiff Potter

Coventry Blaze in action

Coventry Blaze in action