Canada: the land of hockey and all things winter sports. In Canada, sports are fundamental to the nation’s culture, especially as winter sports identify so strongly as part of their identity. Ice hockey is actually considered their national sport, as well. However, Canada doesn’t only excel in ice sports, but rugby and cricket too. Let’s dive into their history of sports, its social impact, and Canada’s fitness lifestyle.
Before the arrival of European settlers, Canadian sports were mainly indigenous. But with the influence of the British, sports there began to quickly evolve. Cricket, rugby, and ice hockey were among the most popular, especially ice hockey as the frigid Canadian environment proved perfect for it. In the 19th century, especially in Nova Scotia, organized matches of ice hockey started to take place in schools and communities. The first documented ice hockey game took place in 1875, and it was between two teams of McGill University students. And as time went on, sporting associations such as the NHL and Amateur Athletic Union of Canada established governing rules and standards for Canadian sports.
Clearly, the creation of the NHL and general rise of ice hockey in early Canada provided a basis for the country to unite and form identity. Ice hockey remains wildly popular today, and professional hockey teams there are very accomplished: the men’s team has won 9 Olympic gold medals, had tremendous success at the Stanley Cup and World Championships, and famously beat the Soviet Union in a 1972 final game at the Summit Series, which solidified Canada’s status as a hockey country even more. The women’s team has won four golds at the Olympics and ten at the IIHF World Championships, and have also had impressive success across the years.
Along with hockey, rugby, and cricket, Canada also loves lacrosse and football. Similarly to the rise of hockey in Canada, modern box lacrosse found its footing in the wake of European Settlers bringing the game to native tribes. In 1856, The Lacrosse Club of Montreal was formed as recognition of the new summertime sport. Its rising popularity resulted in the creation of the National Lacrosse Association in 1875 and its evolution into the Canadian Lacrosse Association in 1925 which has given lacrosse a solid foundation on which to flourish throughout the nation. The World Championship of Lacrosse, a worldwide event held every four years, has significantly brought Canadian national pride as they have been crowned champions three times since its inception in 1967. The most significant of which being in 1978 in an upset win over the previously unbeaten American team.
As we now know, Canadians have a rich history when it comes to sports. These national pastimes have carried over into the lifestyle of Canadian citizens, 49.5% of which meet the recommended amount of physical activity as it was discovered in the Canadian National database. Canada’s deeply rooted sporting background continues to shape the lives of their citizens going into the future.
