It’s official and scientifically proven, hockey makes you happy! For some, it’s just a sport; for others, it’s a battlefield of joy, where astro-based triumphs lead to ultimate happiness. Yes, happiness. That elusive emotion we all chase, seemingly at odds with reality. But not on the hockey pitch, my friends! Here, happiness is as abundant as sand in your socks or astro burns on the knees. But what is it about this wonderful game that combines sticks, balls, a good pair of shin pads and unparalleled glee.
The Stick-Wielding Warriors
First, let’s talk about the stick. In hockey, your stick becomes an extension of your very soul. You’re never alone in life when you have a trusty stick by your side. Swinging it around with finesse (or sometimes like the Grim Reaper) not only increases your physical fitness but also tones those laugh muscles as you prepare to smash the ball, only to miss it and smash the air with the grace of a baby giraffe learning to walk. Each swing is a cathartic release, like chopping vegetables furiously after a long day, but with fewer kitchen catastrophes.
The Zen of Ball Chasing
Ah, the pursuit of the ever-elusive ball. After the seemingly endless discussions about the colour of the ball, there’s something deeply meditative about chasing that small, hard, stubborn object across an expansive field. It’s like a high-stakes game of fetch, except you’re both the dog and the owner. And when that ball finally finds its way into the goal? Sweet joy! A boost of serotonin akin to discovering an extra chip in the folds of The Sun newspaper used to wrap your chippy supper on Blackpool beach.
Team Bonding Over Bruises
Let’s not forget the camaraderie. Hockey is the perfect recipe for bonding—mix one part teamwork, one part mutual exhaustion, and a generous splash of shared victories and defeats. Nothing solidifies friendships quite like collectively experiencing the thrill of a well-executed play or comparing bruises post-match, each one worn as a badge of honour. And of course there’s perhaps the most common of all team-bonding comments post-match, “Is there any pizza in that box?”
The Art of Sideline Spectating
And for those who prefer a more observational role, the travelling hoards of fans who come to support the mighty Blue and Yellow machine, hockey offers the splendid joy of sideline spectating—a sport in its own right. Encourage from the safety of the sidelines while sipping a beverage or two, expertly critiquing the game (and the umpires of course) while dodging rogue balls like a pro. It’s all part of the beautiful game.
In conclusion friends, hockey delivers happiness through a potent mix of physical exertion, athletic artistry, and social interaction, all wrapped up in one adrenaline-packed, stick-wielding, ball dodging package. It might just be the secret to eternal happiness—or, at the very least, a fun way to spend an afternoon.
So grab a stick, chase a ball, and discover your hockey bliss. Happiness is just a swing away!
Images courtesy of Simon Webb