About
Ice hockey, developed in Canada in the 19th century, is played at extraordinary speeds — skaters reach 48 km/h, pucks travel at 160+ km/h. The NHL (National Hockey League), founded in 1917, is North America's premier ice hockey league; the Stanley Cup, awarded annually since 1893, is North America's oldest professional sports trophy.
Canada's relationship with hockey transcends sport — it is a cultural identity marker. The 1972 Summit Series (Canada vs. USSR, culminating in Paul Henderson's winning goal with 34 seconds remaining) is one of hockey's defining moments. Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One,' scored more goals than any other player and more assists than any other player's total points.
# Top 10 Ice Hockey facts
- 1Wayne Gretzky scored so many points that his assists alone would make him the all-time NHL scoring leader
- 2Pucks in NHL games travel at up to 160 km/h — goalies wear 40+ pounds of equipment
- 3The Summit Series 1972 Canada-USSR games were watched by virtually every Canadian with a television
Fascinating Facts
- ◆Wayne Gretzky scored so many points that his assists alone would make him the all-time NHL scoring leader
- ◆Pucks in NHL games travel at up to 160 km/h — goalies wear 40+ pounds of equipment
- ◆The Summit Series 1972 Canada-USSR games were watched by virtually every Canadian with a television
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