Like any religion, the implicit religion of hockey provides support and belonging for fans. Fans and players connect through their love of the game and share a special bond. Strangers become friends through their love for a certain player or team. In a broader sense a follower of hockey can develop camaraderie through their interests and beliefs with fans of other sports. The reality is that fans of hockey often grow up with the tradition. Just like in Christianity, Buddhism and Islam, hockey fandom is often started at a young age. There are hockey leagues that children can enroll in at a very young age, usually around the age of four or five. Children who play hockey grow up in the tradition because the sport often grows with them, as they age they advance to more experienced leagues. For children who do not enjoy physically playing the sport but love the game are able to be involved in the tradition through the collection of memorabilia and watching the game. Children, teens and adults are able to collect hockey cards, go to the stadium or even watch the game in the comfort of their own home. For hockey fans, the sport may provide positive memories of going to the game with their parents, staying up late as a special treat during the Stanley Cup playoffs, or playing a game in the backyard with their childhood friends. Hockey provides the opportunity for the encompassing of individuals of all walks of life and from a range of diverse backgrounds. Even though fans may have very different careers or political beliefs they share in common a love for the game. To be a hockey fan does not mean that you need to be physically good at the sport, but rather have a passion and loyalty to the sport.
The Sense of Belonging and Friendship
