Hockey is a type of athletic discipline involving two groups which go against each other in an effort to move a puck or goal with the use of a hockey stick. Just like any other sport, the goal is to shoot and score points against the opponent.
The beginnings of the word “Hockey” remains unknown, although most etymologists believe that the word was derived from the term “Hoquet” a Middle French word meaning “shepherd’s stave.” The end of the hockey sticks – described as hooked or curved – truly resemble the appearance of a shepherd’s stave.
The term “hockey” was first used by Edward III of England in 1363. In his proclamation, he banned several games and sports, including hockey, which he considered an “idle game.” He emphasized that he would imprison all people caught playing the said game.
The beginnings of hockey areunknown, after all, a lot of civilizations enjoyed sports utilizing curved sticks and balls. In Egypt, a sport similar to hockey was depicted in carvings as old as 4 millennia. The sport is illustrated as having used a stick and ball. Meanwhile, in Ireland, Hurling, which is similar to Hockey, has been played since 1272 BC. In Ancient Greece, a game called kerētízein or kerhtízein was played in as early as 600 BC. The game features a keras, a stick resembling a horn. Meanwhile, in Mongolia, the Daur tribe had playedbeikou, which is similar to field hockey, for over a millennia.
The Middle Ages were also ridden with games similar to Hockey. At the dawn of the 19th century, different forms of historic Hockey were mainstreamed to the different subgenres of Hockey that we know today. Governing bodies were created in order to regulate and manage various Hockey competitions all around the globe. For example, Ice Hockey was developed in the cold regions of United States and Canada as an alternative to field hockey.
The most common subtypes of Hockey are Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Inline Hockey, Sledge Hockey and Street Hockey. Other contemporary types of Hockey have also emerged.
One is Air Hockey, where the game is played with a puck and an air-cushioned table. What sets it apart from the aforementioned forms of Hockey is that it’s played indoors. Another type is the Beach Hockey, a type of street hockey common in beach lines along Southern California.
Bandy, despite having many rules similar to football, is considered a type of Hockey. It utilizes a ball and is played on a huge ice arena.
Deck Hockey is a variation commonly enjoyed by Royal Navy personnel. This game utilizes a wooden stick, and is commonly played on ship decks.
Another fun variation of Hockey is Floorball, which is usually played in athletic halls and gymnasiums. Sticks are a meter long, and are usually derived from composite equipment. Meanwhile, the puck used is that of a whiffle ball.
A table-top version of hockey is known as Nok Hockey. There is no defense involved in this game; all you just have is a small block that protects your goal.
