Alongside consuming all things Edmonton Oilers-related and following the variety of developments in the NHL, many fans of the team dabble in other sports. While ice hockey is their main passion, some fans opt to watch the beautiful game in particular, with English soccer’s top division piquing the interest of hockey fans everywhere.
In fact, in general, hockey fanatics are open to exploring other pastimes. While taking in a brutal UFC fight and indulging in DraftKings WNBA betting might not ever eclipse the amazing sport of ice hockey, they’re two offerings that have their merits. Likewise, the NBA is entertaining, and the NFL is full of huge hits. However, alongside these other much-loved pastimes, some ice hockey fans have a Premier League soccer team they’re desperate to watch in the flesh.
With the FIFA World Cup also on the horizon, now is the perfect time to pick a top-flight club to support. In case you need further convincing, though, we highlight below some key reasons why Premier League soccer is drawing ice hockey fans in.
Similar fast-paced action to watch
Ice hockey is a joy to watch for numerous reasons, but many fans have particularly warmed to it due to the sport’s fast-paced action and its intense physical nature. The Premier League offers a similar package, as players aim to score goals in end-to-end clashes. Also featuring giant athletes who exert themselves physically and many skillful players to watch, such as Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, the Premier League’s package is just as entertaining as the NHL.
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An unrivaled spectacle
Ice hockey games are full of body checks and the occasional fight. Likewise, so are Premier League matches. This highly competitive spectacle will resonate with hockey fans, especially if they’re tuning in for a fiery derby or a top-of-the-table clash. A sport that specializes in dramatic goals, major talking points, and the types of celebrations many other sports simply don’t see, the passion on show during an average Premier League clash makes the sport so alluring.
Tribalism on show
Soccer fans in England are extremely passionate about the clubs they follow. They wear jerseys with pride, they’re always chanting loudly, they clash off the field, and clubs are embedded in the communities they represent. That in itself creates a sport that isn’t like anything we see on this side of the pond, with fans fearing relegation and others being desperate to see off a city rival in the big game. When tuning in for a huge Premier League match, you’ll also hear comical chanting and see heated exchanges, all of which add to the evident tribalism that is so prevalent in English soccer.
Matches aren’t too long
While you probably aren’t going to settle down and watch a cricket game that takes place over a few days, Premier League matches only last 90 minutes. As such, it’s an easy sport to immerse yourself in, with games not taking up too much of your time. With the continuous action on display, matches can feel even shorter anyway. Of course, not every clash is a memorable one, but there are more classics than forgettable encounters. With fans only needing to allocate two hours of their day to watching Arsenal or Manchester City in action, the Premier League isn’t too much of a commitment.
Easy to grasp
Finally, there are many similarities between ice hockey and soccer. Sure, they aren’t completely the same, but teams score goals, players dribble, there are offsides, and skills are always executed. With all that in mind, newcomers to Premier League soccer should pick it up fairly quickly.
