How Hockey Culture Shapes Western Canada's Management

Introduction 

Hockey in Canada is regarded as a national sport. “It is the key to the understanding of Canada” and thus, “it is much more than a game to the country” (Saunders, 2014). As such, hockey has become a way of life (their culture) which many of Canadians, including women, are absorbed in. This paper focuses on discussing the culture of hockey in western Canada. The first part will give a highlight of background information regarding the topic, while the second section will address the factors that influence hockey and the influences that hockey has in turn. The next part will discuss how the culture of hockey in Canada impacts aspects of management. 

Background Information 

Hockey sport contains many variations including floor hockey, sledge hockey, roller-blade hockey, field hockey, ball hockey, table-top hockey, and street hockey (Saunders, 2014). All these hockey forms are played in Canada. While hockey is particularly a winter sport, it is played in all seasons in Canada. Hockey has remained a constant form of expressing nationalism in Canada (Saunders, 2014). The hockey sport that precedes Confederation developed from the game of Mi’kmaq of oochamkunutk and games of European such as shinty, bandy, and hurley, which were brought by British settlers and soldiers. By the nineteenth century turn, hockey became the marker of Canada identity. 

Factors that Influence Hockey in Canada AND How Hockey, in turn, Influences them 

Several factors influence hockey culture in Canada including economic and social factors such as industrial advances which creates high demand for entertainment and recreation (Saunders, 2014). Also, cultural factors such as cohesion, where hockey is used to bridge gaps and bring people from diverse groups in Canada together. Canadians believe that “hockey enables people from all walks of life to play and grow” (Hockey Canada Foundation, 2015). Besides these factors which influences hockey, hockey, in turn, also influences other factors. First, hockey helps to build diverse and yet connected communities (Hockey Canada Foundation, 2015). When people from other communities learn it, hockey helps them to absorb the culture of Canada and bring other intangible benefits such as spirit, agility, and teamwork. 

Second, hockey also teaches determination, which helps in persevering through challenges of life. Playing hockey inspires people to overcome personal challenges that are significant (Hockey Canada Foundation, 2015). Additionally, hockey influences economic development through the direct economic impact it brings on communities (O'Reilly, Abeza, Bellefleur, Dottori, Fleming, & La, 2015). A study estimated a total amount of $2.6 billion which moves directly between Canadian communities yearly due to hockey sport. These contributions can be categorized as tourism, national hockey league (NHL) major events and clubs, corporate sponsorships and NHL salaries which return home. Tourism related to hockey is the highest in villages and small towns in Canada. As a result of tourism, hockey sport has led to job creation. 

How Hockey impacts Management of Community Organization 

Hockey sport in Canada also has an impact in some aspects of management. One of these aspects is the community organization. Karlis (2015) conducted a study which examined community building and hockey in an “ethnic community organization in Canada” (Karlis, 2015). The findings of the study documented that hockey, an activity that is mainstream and integrated by ethnic communities like the Hellenic Community of Ottawa, is capable of playing an essential role in assisting to maintain multicultural societies’ ethnicity (Karlis, 2015). The study concluded that indeed, hockey sport helps to bring Greek descent individuals nearer to their community, thus improving social closure and social cohesion within the community. 

References 

Hockey Canada Foundation (2015). We play hockey for life. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Corporate/Foundation/Downloads/hockey-canada-foundation-case-for-support-e.pdf 

Karlis, G. (2015). Sport and community building: The case of an ethnic community organization. Loisir et Société/Society and Leisure, 38(2), 239-248. 

O'Reilly, N., Abeza, G., Bellefleur, J., Dottori, M., Fleming, K., & La, K. (2015). Ice hockey in Canada: 2015 impact study summary. Scotia Bank 2015, 1-6. 

Saunders, B. (2014). Hockey and national identity in Canada. Athabasca University Thesis. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from http://dtpr.lib.athabascau.ca/action/download.php?filename=mais/700/brendansaundersProject.pdf