Ice hockey is the hidden gem of the UK. This thrilling sport has been silently fuelling the economy, offering inexpensive seats, nachos and hotdogs, a lively crowd and two hours of action on ice. It is the only sports league which spans all four nations of the UK, including ten teams that play in arenas, some of which can hold almost 10,000 people. The lack of media coverage of the sport adds to the game experience, according to Siyona Pokhriyal. She said: "I'm glad that more people don’t know about the game. It keeps the prices down and the crowds are always filled with true fans. It’s the UK’s best kept secret."
Anonymous fans have reported ‘not being able to watch the game without smiling’ due to its fast-paced nature and stimulating arenas.
With a few thousand players, 68 arenas and 284 referees, ice hockey games occur frequently from Cardiff to Glasgow to Belfast to Guildford. The game serves as a cheaper (often £10 or less) and arguably more interesting alternative to the popular winter sport ice skating, which is notoriously difficult to book and not suitable for everyone. There are minimal rules to understand, and it is fairly easy to find front row seats right against the glass allowing you to feel like part of the action, making the experience memorable for even people who have no prior understanding of the game. There is also lots of opportunity to play as well, specifically for females who have almost doubled in numbers in the last decade. Almost 4,000 juniors have picked up the sport in the UK; a number that is expected to continue to grow as the game becomes more widespread. Although this rising star in the sports world is making an important impact on many, some loyal fans want it to be kept a small British secret.
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