Introduction
As a big sports fan in brazil, one of my goals while enjoying this experience in the USA was to get in touch with their sports as well. So, after experiencing an NFL Football game in the Jacksonville stadium, I decided to try Hockey this time.
How the game works
Since it was my first time watching a hockey game, I needed some explanation before getting there. And, from what I understood, it’s similar to soccer. To the extent of having two teams play against each other by trying to aim the object of play into the opponent’s goal. In soccer, it is a ball, but in Hockey, they use the puck. What differs is that in a hockey game, they maneuver the puck with another object, a hockey stick.
Experience
I had the opportunity to go to a hockey game in Tampa last Tuesday. The hometown team, Tampa Lightning, played against Minnesota Wilds at Amelia Arena. The first quarter was tough; they were even most of the time. However, the second one was full of goals for both sides. And the third one was when Tampa could open two goals of advantage by the end of the game and guarantee victory.
Some players fought during the game, especially when the opposing team hit their goalie, but nothing too serious. The crowd went crazy with it, and it was funny to watch it. Personally, I am not a big fan of fights, but it’s allowed inside the game until an instance, and the guys over there seemed used to it.
Space
Amelia Arena is gorgeous. As a multipurpose arena, it hosts activities such as ice hockey, basketball, football, concerts, and other events. The project started in 1996 with Ellerbe Becket as the responsible architect: at the time, they called it «Ice Palace.» Check it out if you are in the downtown Tampa area; it’s worth it.
Conclusion
As one of the most fun activities I’ve done so far, I recommend the experience. Even if you were like me, someone who had no idea how this sport worked before seeing it. The crowd is fun to be around, and the game itself is dynamic and exciting; easy to get the rules as long as they play. From now on, I know that I’ll watch it more often; it’s fun!
