What are the most popular sports in Canada?

Ice Hockey

Practiced for more than a hundred years, today it has become an integral part of the Canadian identity. Indeed, Canadians are proud to consider ice hockey an important part of their national heritage. With 21 victories at the world championships and 9 gold medals at the Olympic Games, the national teams are formidable and have an impressive track record. Through these remarkable feats, hockey is a constant part of Canadian culture and holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. Although the sport originated in Canada, it developed in North America and gained popularity in the United States.

This winter sport is practiced on a specially equipped ice rink, with 2 teams each made up of six players: three attackers, two defenders and a goalkeeper. The game takes place in 3 periods of 20 minutes. Players must also bring several types of protection to avoid dangerous shocks, or blows from the butts. The ultimate goal of this sport is to score a lot of pucks into the opposing team's net.

Ice hockey is a fairly technical sport that requires certain qualities: speed of play, coordination and anticipation. It is this combination that makes it a complete and captivating sport.

The Crosse

Similar to ice hockey, lacrosse is a popular Canadian sport played in Canada during the summer. Originally practiced by indigenous peoples, it was not until the 19th century that it became widespread. It is a sport played mostly in the United States and Canada which is home to some of the best teams in the world.

Lacrosse is the main equipment of this sport, hence its name. The objective of this sport is therefore to catch, pass and carry a rubber ball to score points in the opponent's court. This activity is divided into 3 types:

● Men's field lacrosse: it takes place on an outdoor lawn and consists of 2 teams of 10 players each comprising 3 forwards, 3 midfielders, 2 defenders and a goalkeeper. The duration of the game is 80 minutes, divided into quarters of 20 minutes. Being a contact sport, it requires special equipment and protection.

● Women's field lacrosse: it is played on an outdoor lawn with 2 teams of 12 players. Being a non-contact activity, players equip themselves with light equipment. The game lasts 60 minutes with two halves of 30 minutes each.

● Box Lacrosse: This type of lacrosse is played indoors, usually in unused hockey arenas during the summer. The playing surface can be concrete or artificial grass. This sport consists of two teams of six players each. Its duration is 60 minutes, divided into three periods of 20 minutes.

Lacrosse is certainly one of the oldest sporting disciplines. Moreover, it is a sport practiced in several Canadian and American universities.

canadian football

Similar to American football and rugby, Canadian football is also one of the popular sports in Canada. However, it is a contact discipline that is very physical. It involves two teams of twelve players on a field 101 meters long and 59 meters wide. The objective is to bring the oval ball into the opponent's goal area to score points. In Canadian football, there are many ways to score points. Indeed, goals can be scored by carrying the ball or throwing it to a teammate. The game lasts 60 minutes, divided into quarters of 15 minutes. But unlike American football, which allows 4 tries, Canadian football only allows 3 tries to cover 10 yards. After hockey, this discipline is the second most popular sport with spectators and is particularly appreciated in Quebec. It is a sport that combines both complex strategy and remarkable physical intensity.

Canadian football is widely played by Canadians in Quebec and Ontario. Although originally developed as an amateur sport, Canadian football is now a highly commercialized professional sport.

curling

Curling is a popular precision sport in Canada. It is played on ice with quarried and polished granite stones. Curling therefore consists of bringing them closer to a circular target on the ice called the "house". Although this sport is very popular in rural areas, it is also considered a national pastime.

Curling is played by two teams of four players, who will be named in the order of throwing stones. The team thus includes a "lead" or number 1, a "second" or number 2, a "third" or number 3 and a "skip" or number 4. The game lasts about two hours and has 8 or 10 rounds. This activity is played with a curling broom and all players must wear special shoes.

Curling has been a growing Canadian sport since the founding of the first club in Montreal in 1807. National competitions and Olympic trials are therefore highly valued by Canadians and many athletes who have won these championships have gone on to great success on the scene. international. In addition, curling is the most widely broadcast Canadian women's sport on television.

In Canada, sport is more than a discipline, it is an institution. The country's enthusiasm for ice hockey, curling or cross country is proof of this. A country of sport, Canada has some incredibly talented pro players.