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Sporting Etiquette - Hockey

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Chuffin
Posts: 121 - Karma: 155
Alright boys and girls,

I'm heading over to Whistler from the UK for a couple of weeks in Feb and just booked a couple of tickets to the Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild game in Feb while I'm in Vancouver.

It got me thinking about the etiquette while watching live sport and made me chuckle about the differences between them and I realised I don't know any hockey etiquette at all.

Let me give you an example of the differences between sports:

Rugby Union vs Football (soccer):

RU: You can drink in the stands
F: No drinking allowed for fear of fighting

RU: You sit with supporters of the opposite team
F: Segregated crowds for fear of fighting

RU: Singing is kept to a minimum and instead friendly chit-chat takes over the ground unless something exciting happens
F: Chanting is incessant and usually racist/incredibly inappropriate. Often used to induce fighting

RU: Silence when the opponent is concentrating for a penalty
F: As much noise as one can muster to put the opponent off. Stripping naked behind the goal is not uncommon


As you can see, quite a lot of difference between the two!

I know nothing about the etiquette required to watch ice hockey and I was hoping some of you could share your wisdom.

Thank you, Chaps.
Oct 31 2013 8:29AM
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jibmanji
Posts: 90 - Karma: 40
At hockey its all about drinking. You cheer for big hits and fights.
Oct 31 2013 8:34AM
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seward
Posts: 5233 - Karma: 2,174
dangle, snipe, celly, obvi broo

and if in doubt, just do this:


Oct 31 2013 8:49AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
There really is no "etiquette." You can sit where you want, you can drink, you can cheer, yell, sing, cry, whatever. I think the only thing most people would ask is that if there's a family nearby with young children, keep the obnoxious drunkenness to a minimum. If you're feeling cheap, I would take a plastic (Detroit has metal detectors, not sure about other arenas) flask to the game with you because beers are about 10 bucks a piece.
Oct 31 2013 9:04AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
The main thing with hockey etiquette is don't get up and go to the bathroom, get a beer/food/etc., or return to your seat while the puck is in play. Wait for a whistle. It won't be long. There's nothing worse than having some douche bag trying to walk past you in the middle of a break and you end up missing an awesome check, goal, etc. IDK about Vancouver, but this has been my experience with hockey arenas.
Oct 31 2013 9:10AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
^ yeah basically don't be a prick around little kids. And if you splurged for tickets fuck buying concessions, smuggle in a bunch of nip bottles then grab a soda or two and enjoy
Oct 31 2013 9:10AM
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Chuffin
Posts: 121 - Karma: 155
So no one sits in their allocated seats? Just a free-for-all in your section or something?
Oct 31 2013 9:12AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Ah I forgot about this. At the Joe, they actually have people standing at the steps for every section during the whole game and won't let you enter the seats until there's a stoppage in play. Obviously, they can't stop people from leaving, but they encourage everyone to wait.
Oct 31 2013 9:13AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Haha sorry if I wasn't clear. You have to sit in your marked seat, but there is no segregation between fans. You can buy a ticket for any seat regardless of who you are rooting for.
Oct 31 2013 9:15AM
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ilikefood
Posts: 391 - Karma: 769
If security ever gives you a hard time for trying to bring drinks or food into a venue, just tell them you have type 1 diabetes and you need your sugar always on hand. Usually works.
Oct 31 2013 9:16AM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
go pirates!
Oct 31 2013 9:18AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
This has never worked for me and I actually have type I diabetes. Which life hack blog did you read that bs on?
Oct 31 2013 9:20AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
Same thing with the UC. I would assume that's a shared practice across all NHL venues?
Oct 31 2013 9:21AM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
If you are first row, please for the love of god don't be one of those hacks that feel compelled to smack the glass like a damn gorilla.
Oct 31 2013 9:50AM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
this



i also don't like the people that freak out and move when the puck or players hits the boards
Oct 31 2013 10:40AM
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LAME.
Posts: 5795 - Karma: 2,446
As far as drinking goes, have a couple before you go because A) beers will be around $12, and B) you will be able to gauge whether you want to drink more or stay sober.

All fans sit together, and there are usually no problems, lots of kids so people arnt getting to rowdy.

When it comes to cheering or singing, you'll feel the general vibe. and just go with it.

HAVE FUN MAN!
Oct 31 2013 10:52AM
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daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
it's pretty simple really, don't get belligerent.
Oct 31 2013 11:07AM
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Chuffin
Posts: 121 - Karma: 155
Thanks for all the tips - knew I could count on you guys. I'm going with the bird so won't be getting too aggressive haha. We're sat up in the balcony so may miss some of the atmosphere but at least we'll be able to watch and enjoy the game.
Oct 31 2013 11:18AM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37540 - Karma: 121,592
Get hyped when your team is in the other teams zone. Get hype when they make big plays, hits, and of course when they score. Chirping is optional but just know your shit before.
Oct 31 2013 11:19AM
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Bumblesteeze
Posts: 3092 - Karma: 748
Don't forget your skates!
Oct 31 2013 11:20AM
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seward
Posts: 5233 - Karma: 2,174
oh, you mean people who flinch due to natural reflexes??
Oct 31 2013 11:23AM
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ilikefood
Posts: 391 - Karma: 769
I have type 1 too. It always works for me. I've dragged big coolers full of food and drinks into some events. If they try and say no, I just show them my pump.
Oct 31 2013 11:39AM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143

So you've decided to come see a hockey game at Rogers Arena. Congratulations! There will be no fun allowed. If you drink beer, you will be required to do so quietly and preferably where no children can see. Singing or cheering of any kind will result in your immediate ejection from the building. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, a family-oriented company.

Seriously, to answer your questions, there's no segregated seating, beer is served in the concourse at exorbitant prices so you can drink while you watch, singing isn't done because cheering is supposed to happen when something happens in the game that's worth cheering for (a hit, a goal, a good shift, a penalty kill, a fight, whatever). Rogers Arena is generally known as a pretty quiet and corporate atmosphere, it's not a very loud arena except during playoffs. You won't really have to worry about opposing team support as there won't be many Wild fans in the building. Incidentally, Canucks - Wild games are usually not terribly exciting affairs because of the way the Wild are coached, but you never know.

As for actual etiquette, here is what you need to know.

-If Roberto Luongo is playing in goal for the Canucks, all big saves made by him must be followed by saying "LOUUUUU" as loud as possible. They're not booing. However, make sure that Luongo is actually starting before doing this or you'll look like an idiot.

-Learn the rules, watch a couple of games before you go, avoid being the guy who can't understand why they blew the whistle because that one guy shot the puck down the ice.

-Do not lean forward in your seat during play. Biggest rookie mistake and huge annoyance to people sitting around you. The arena is designed for you to sit with your back against the back of the seat, otherwise the guy behind you and beside you will have their view blocked.

-Generally the arena staff will not allow you to go from the concourse to your seat during play (so that you don't block people's view trying to sit down). When they do let you in, get there as quickly as possible, just try not to spill beer on anyone on the way.

-There will be lineups for the washrooms at intermission so either go during the period during a TV timeout or be prepared to wait.

-If the Canucks score, you're permitted to stand up and yell and cheer or whatever. Otherwise, don't be that guy who's standing during a fight. It's annoying.

That's all I can really think of for now.

Oct 31 2013 12:19PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
The atmosphere is actually better in the cheap seats because the only people who can afford to sit in the lower bowl are all suits. Basically if you're sitting down there you're with a bunch of people with company tickets.
Oct 31 2013 12:28PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37540 - Karma: 121,592
Better fans in the cheap sections. You'll probably have a much better time up there than lower bowl seating.
Oct 31 2013 12:33PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Road-tripped to Carolina for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the Sabres-Hurricanes series...

...the majority of the arena had little clue that the stoppage was a penalty until it was announced over the PA.

Still bitter about that loss.
Oct 31 2013 12:33PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
It's so true, my old dad and I won tickets for glass seats to a Bruins Canadiens game when I was 12 from my hockey team and its so boring down there. But up top, where the true fans sit, is so fun and intense
Oct 31 2013 1:16PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
versus your new dad?
Oct 31 2013 1:34PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
sorry, double post, but I'm going to have to say that I've had a different experience sitting down low. I've been to several games in Chicago and sat in row 3. The game was just as rowdy down there as it has been in the 200 & 300 levels.

/off topic post
Oct 31 2013 1:44PM
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seward
Posts: 5233 - Karma: 2,174
aren't you a suit??
Oct 31 2013 1:50PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
Yeah but I'm not important enough to get given tickets so I'm just bitter is all.
Oct 31 2013 1:56PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Yeah I climbed into his van one day and I got a new bike...
Oct 31 2013 2:21PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Boston is a bit different due to the fact that because they've done well the prices tend to be high as shit for downlow. It really does depend but usually more than not the crowd down low is tamer
Oct 31 2013 2:30PM
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remove
Posts: 2566 - Karma: 1,026
that's like half the reason to go to sporting events
Oct 31 2013 2:47PM
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Elmo.
Posts: 4317 - Karma: 662
honestly youll better get a better experience in balcony. i know in boston the bottom ring are just rich people cuz its mad expensive. its no where near as rowdy and no one stands for anything other than a goal. the balcony is rowdy and theres tons of just boston citizens that get season tickets up there and people get trashed.
Oct 31 2013 2:53PM
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Avifarer
Posts: 5926 - Karma: 598
Or if you are in toronto you are sitting in a section all by yourself.

I am intrigued by the fans sitting in different sections though. I think that would be pretty cool at some hockey games. How do they do it though? You get a ticket and just sit in an assigned area in any seat you want?
Oct 31 2013 3:01PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Etiquette? You're talking about a game where grown men hit and fight each other with a bunch of drunk Canadians cheering them on.

Really though, Vancouver fans are quiet, conservative types who just sit there and, I don't know, play on their phones? Haven't been to a Canucks game, but they are always so damn reserved by the looks of things when I watch a game on tv.

The Green Men on the other hand... who doesn't love the Green Men?

Oct 31 2013 3:13PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
Come to Boston if you want some real hockey atmosphere.
Oct 31 2013 4:09PM
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Benson.
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 3,787
.
Oct 31 2013 4:26PM
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Bumblesteeze
Posts: 3092 - Karma: 748
Or you can stay in Canada and go to Montreal.
Oct 31 2013 5:00PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
True Mount Royal can go hard at times
Oct 31 2013 5:02PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37540 - Karma: 121,592
LOL you guys are still holding onto that one, eh?
Oct 31 2013 5:03PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
Different than what? Chicago has two cups in four years, so it's not like they've done terrible....and prices are also high as fuck down low. I still don't ever recall a noticeably tamer crowd versus the upper bowls. Whatever though. Maybe Chicago is different than Boston in that regard.
Oct 31 2013 5:23PM
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pastysmasher
Posts: 780 - Karma: 664
OP, you sound like your not a fan of football stadium atmosphere. Don't be fooled people. I've watched a number of Live sports and football (soccer) games are the shit! Banter between the fans, the noise, the chanting! Can't be topped!
Oct 31 2013 5:29PM
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Chuffin
Posts: 121 - Karma: 155
Haha, nah definitely not the case. I'm a big Chelsea fan and go about 4-5 times a season but I'm just stereotyping the differences for the purpose of this thread!

You guys have been amazing so thank you for your help. Can't wait to see the game. It's exciting me almost as much as being in Whistler for the first time. Stoked!
Oct 31 2013 7:22PM
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