It’s hard to believe that the holidays are once again rolling by. For many of us, 2024 has been a particularly busy year, and it can be hard to find the time to slow down, breathe, and think without interruption. But as we prepare for Thanksgiving to arrive, we would do well to remember some of the many things we have to be thankful for. 

For us at the Casper Warbirds, we are constantly reminded of the many reasons we have to be thankful for the sport of hockey. These are our top 5 reasons.

Opportunities to Grow 

Many of us came to hockey simply out of a passion for the game. We might have dreamed as children about the chance to one day get to play at the professional level. 

But what we don’t realize as children are all the ways that a sport like hockey can help us to grow—not just physically, but as people. Hockey teaches valuable skills such as perseverance, courage, and confidence. It requires a great deal of endurance to faithfully show up to practices, and it often makes great demands of the player. But for those who push past the challenge, there is a huge payoff. 

Fascinating History

Games involving balls and sticks have existed since the earliest days. They are both simple and profoundly human. But the first recorded game of ice hockey was played on March 3, 1875. At first, it was played with a flat wooden block. This would eventually develop into the puck that modern hockey games use. 

By 1899, ice hockey had drastically grown in popularity. It was especially popular in Canada and the northeastern United States. It became so popular that in 1917, the National Hockey League formed from four Canadian teams. United States teams would eventually join, and the NHL would go on to have great success that it still enjoys today. 

Health Benefits

As with any sport, hockey carries with it some great health benefits. Hockey involves cardio, and lots of it. This is great for your heart and has a significant impact on your overall health. Hockey also involves a full-body workout, increasing muscle strength and flexibility. Finally, the physical benefits of hockey are very functional. They can increase a player’s reaction time, resulting in benefits that impact a person both in the game and in everyday life. 

A Greater Cause 

In a recent post, we discussed the legacy of Michael Jennings, a veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps. He spoke about how he joined the Marines because he felt a pull to join a cause that was greater than himself. Sports, although they are far less weighty than something like military service, offer a taste of this very thing. When you join a team like the Casper Warbirds, you enter a cause that is greater than any one individual. Your commitment to the team will have an impact not just on your personal success, but on the success of the team and the wider surrounding community. 

Fun in Community

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not mention the most obvious reason we’re thankful for hockey: it’s fun. This is the first reason that any hockey player is motivated to learn the skills of the game. And even when the season drags on and challenges arise, there will always be those exhilarating moments that keep us coming back. This fun is amplified in the context of the community, and we are always striving to make this community more and more vibrant. We’re thankful for all of the wonderful individuals that make up that community. So from all of us at the Casper Warbirds: Happy Thanksgiving!