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With the puck about to drop on a new National Hockey League (NHL) season, I can’t recommend enough going to an NHL game, especially a Boston Bruins game.
In Europe, overall, ice hockey has limited visibility and a limited fan base. Some countries excel at producing world-class, NHL-ready talents. Like Slovakia – producing Zdeno Chára, or the Czech Republic – with the likes of Jaromír Jágr. Just how popular is ice hockey in the Czech Republic? For each ice rink in the country, there are 420 registered players, with millions tuning into the sport (and attending games) every season.
Meanwhile, in milder climates, the sport is down the pecking order. Look no further than the UK and Ireland to see this. This Wikipedia page dutifully lists all the players born in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales who made it to the pros. And it is a dang short list.
Having come to Boston (read more about that here), I really wanted to see sports in person that simply aren’t available when living in Europe.
The NHL fit the bill perfectly.
Ice hockey’s version of the English Premier League, is the best league, with the best players and the best trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup.
Being in Boston meant for my first NHL game I got to attend a Boston Bruins game last season. The iconic Spoked-B (the Bruin’s logo) is pretty much one of hockey’s most distinctive team crests and the team boasts six Stanley Cups. The experience? Electric.
What you need to know going to your first NHL game
There are seven things that really jumped out at me when going to my first NHL game:
- The TD Garden’s entrance is an experience you won’t forget: The home of the Bruins has a very particular enterance, compared to other arenas I’ve visited. You’re greeted by an iconic statue of Bruins legend Bobby Ore that freezes in ice his most famous moment with the team. There’s no danger of seeing a seriously questionable Cristiano Ronaldo-esque statue, this one will stay with you.
- DUH – it is cold as could be: Think of ice rinks, you think of snowy landscapes and, obviously, cold. So, how do you possibly not think an arena hosting an ice hockey game wouldn’t be cold?! I made this fatal, and beyond basic error of wearing only a t-shirt to my first game. Cold before the end of the first period? Yes. Dampen my enthusiasm? No. Feeling like a bit of a fool? Yes. Layer up when you go, hats and even gloves aren’t out of place at an NHL game.
- Get there early – it is worth it: For your first NHL game, get in early so you can get snacks, a drink, find your seat, and just soak it in. Even if you’ve seen plenty of ice rinks in your life, seeing the full NHL rink is still something and seeing the franchise crest in the ice is awesome. Another cool thing? See those Zamboni machines in action, or even between periods, the staff cleaning and clearing the surface, with literally buckets and buckets of ice being swept off.
- The national anthems will blow you away: One thing I’ve really loved about attending sports games in America is the pageantry and pomp attached to each and every game. Nowhere more so is this seen than in the singing of the national anthems. One really cool thing about the NHL? You also get to see the Canadian anthem being sung at games where Canada’s teams are playing. A very cool experience.
- It is LOUD: Of all the experiences I’ve had, even multiple Boston Celtics NBA games in the same arena, the PA is the loudest I’ve ever experienced. If you have a young child, definitely invest in some hearing protection for them.
- Ice hockey fans love the game but also love a good time: Out of all the sports experiences in America, I’ve been most struck by how fun-loving and friendly ice hockey fans are. Yes, they love the game but it can take on a party-like atmosphere at times, even when things aren’t going right on the ice.
- Professional ice hockey at this level is irresistible: The sheer speed, physicality, mixed with insane levels of talent (both in skating and passing/shooting) is like no other sport you’ve ever seen. As a game too, it is a quick sport by American standards, with most games I’ve attended finishing within two hours. By contrast, baseball can really, really plod along. Even if you don’t understand the rules (still getting to grips with the concept of icing), you can’t help but appreciate the brutality but also the beauty of this game.
Thinking about going to your first NHL game this season? Or thinking about checking a Bruins game out? Go. You won’t regret it.
