🏒 Why Ice Hockey in the United Kingdom Sucks! 💩

For a country that invented Ice Hockey, why is the United Kingdom so bad at it? Is it just Team Great Britain doing poorly on an international level, or is it down to a terrible Elite League? Is it just lack of participation or is there something that the media doesn’t want to explain to you? Ninh explains why the Brits are so bad at hockey!
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Video: Copyright Ninh Ly 2020, Elite League, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers, Manchester Storm, KHL, NHL, IIHF, Canada, Team GB
Images: Ninh Ly
Music: ‘Pacific Paradise’ by Ampyx
Narrated, Directed and Produced by Ninh Ly
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[@NinhLyUK]

(EDITED 19/03/2020) FOR CLARIFICATION: - This video was not intended to be a shitpost about British Ice Hockey. As an ice hockey fan who sees games regularly (Toronto Maple Leafs, Manchester Storm, Kolner Haie), it pains me that these are the reasons that keep ice hockey a minority sport over here. Unfortunately, I doubt things are going to change anytime soon. - A few commenters have deemed my points to be cruel and a little harsh. Whilst I'll admit that I could have eased off (especially pertaining to the national team because they've actually done well against the odds), nothing said in my video was untrue. This really is the current state of British Ice Hockey. - Here in the UK (as well as most other countries) - the world 'hockey' refers to field hockey, not ice hockey. And given that this is a video about UK Ice Hockey and that I am from the UK - I am well within my rights to use the terminology as designated by my country and most of the world. Please don't be an ignorant jackass, and understand that different countries call things by different words. Trying to 'correct me' on this matter will not be tolerated. - All but two of the 1936 Gold Medal team were born and raised in the UK. Two of them were born and raised in Canada. That does not make the entire team 'Canadian' regardless of where they learned their hockey skills. By right, they are eligible to represent Great Britain, and represent them they did. Currently, most of the U18 American National Soccer team are being trained at Manchester City's academy. That doesn't make them English, does it?! - For 'thintellectuals' that try and quote Wikipedia on me, especially pertaining to who created ice hockey, (which was unequivocally the Scottish) - you do realise that it contradicts itself in several pages right? I wouldn't expect any less from an online encyclopedia that a 5 year old can edit. Try reading actual books such as 'A History & Philosophy of Sports' by Mechikoff & Estes. Real research in a real book. - To invent something is to be the 'originator of'. Who originated the idea of play the game of hockey (where you hit an object into a goal) on the surface of ice? The Scottish, not the Canadians. - Let's be realistic about Liam Kirk - whilst he's a decent player, he's also a 7th round draft pick (189th overall). The odds of him making an NHL roster are slim and he's not even the best prospect at the Pete's. Not saying it's impossible, but the odds are definitely stacked against him. - For those people who dislike the video because they either can't face the truth, or acknowledge hockey's true roots is rather quite sad. I pity you if you have to create several accounts just to leave dislikes.

[@3dsaulgoodman43]

Hey Ninh. Could you make a video on the fall of the Magnificent Magyars? The Hungary team that went from knocking out Brazil and reaching WC finals to not making to the WC since 1986.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, I'll consider it!

[@bsivbv1268]

I love you for including the Kölner Haie! It's my hometown team :) are you a fan?

[@NinhLyUK]

@@bsivbv1268 I sure am. Seen them several times, I even went to the DEL Winter Game against Dusseldorf. Great times!

[@brooke-3615]

Yeah, it's very unfortunate. I wish the EIHL was less elitist between three clubs (in terms of finance), but it is what it is. Hopefully, the national team can stay in the top IIHF division, but even there I'm skeptical since Italy and France aren't really as good as Belarus (they're close but I think Belarus is underranked). If they somehow could, then I think it would only help viewership. I think hockey is on the 'ups' within the country, but it's still very gradual. I don't think it'll ever be able to compete w/ the top sports w/ funding. It'd take a massive hockey superstar to do this and even then it's quite uncertain. Sadly and also not so sadly, hockey is likely only going to get more competitive in the future w/ Norway's youth program getting better (also has some potential NHL future players), Kazakhstan's actually building rinks, and Hungary gives a damn about the sport (big things could happen there).

[@chrispswann6825]

Theoren Fleury ended his career playing for the Belfast Giants as a 37 year old. He had 74 points in 34 games.

[@NinhLyUK]

That's true! Well remembered! :)

[@jamesgillespie9000]

Chris Swann I remember his first game for the Giants well!

[@neoballast]

Fleury playing in UK hockey for me was like Beckham going to the MLS. It sort of helped to raise the profile of the league a bit.

[@lucaswhitepridemaclean9447]

83 grams in 34 games? Not in his prime.e

[@timmcveigh5056]

Probably why there are flames fans from there.

[@imrustyokay]

I mean, I'd make sense for ice hockey to be from scotland, since the Queen has Maurice Richard's 500th goal hockey puck. No joke!

[@gill8076]

Rusty Ralston but it's Scottish so stop taking things away from us god

[@NinhLyUK]

Believe it or not, I actually didn't know that!

[@chester754]

Lord Stanley, whom the Stanley cup is named after, was from Preston, Lancashire.

[@Superpuppetbros718]

ice hockey is canadian where did this guy get it from? google it up

[@adamrodgers9175]

Yeah It was created in Canada 😆 first time I've heard it was created anywhere else. Same as basketball was created by a Canadian in the states.

[@ImSNB]

"why would you pay 20 gbp to watch 2nd rate hockey and 3rd rate players" Because hockey is actually fun to watch

[@NinhLyUK]

Good competitive ice hockey is. Watching Sheffield whale on someone 17-0 because they're one of the richest teams ... not so much.

[@oliverandellioticehockey3808]

Ninh Ly that does not happen anymore

[@millwaterj]

Ninh Ly Did you not see this past season? 5 teams were all in with a chance of winning the league title. Cardiff, Sheffield, Nottingham, Belfast and Coventry. Very rarely were teams destroyed in matches. ‘Rich’ teams like Sheffield and Cardiff were losing to poorer teams like Fife or Dundee.

[@MrSpireite]

@@NinhLyUK that shows how out of date you are

[@NinhLyUK]

@@millwaterj right ... all the rich teams. I'm not saying that teams like Manchester, Fife, Glasgow can't win against Sheffield, Nottingham and Cardiff. But in general, the rich teams win out ... and have done for the last 10 years.

[@mgtproductions9524]

I got into ice hockey a few years ago and watch the Chelmsford Chieftains. I don't care if it is not the NHL - the games are fantastic fun and there is a huge amount of skill on display.

[@isaakfournier5904]

Might just be me, but I’d watch shitty hockey over any type of soccer!

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, I get why you'd say that.

[@dylanreisky1004]

for sure that is just facts

[@sabertheglaceon256]

me too x10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000%

[@charlotenurdin459]

I agree

[@user-cj4vs4rr2t]

Definitely not. Non competitive sports, no matter what sport, are boring as fuck to watch. I’d rather watch any premier league match than shitty hockey.

[@jason4275]

*I just found out today that the U.K actually has Ice hockey.*

[@NinhLyUK]

Learn something new every day ,huh?

[@hotrodjones74]

There's an Australian ice league too

[@rafaelstefan3277]

@@hotrodjones74 really ?

[@whoneedsdefenseanyways4418]

@@hotrodjones74 w... wh.. what?

[@croceyzx2433]

Yep they have in Australia (AIHL) and in New Zealand (NZIHL) however I think both leagues only had 5 teams, but it’s still good. They live stream their games for free on the AIHL & NZIHL KZbin channels. And when their season starts, it’s everyone else off season!

[@bukelos2804]

Good luck to you Brits! It would be nice to see new faces in the championships, that may even surprise you. Greetings from the Czech Republic.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that would be good. Thank you very much! :)

[@jknowlesjk]

i’m a uk hockey player (under 15s) and i have 2 players from the czech republic on my team! (widnes wild)

[@neilwhitaker6284]

@@jknowlesjk I saw one of those team jerseys in the video! I'm Canadian but I've been to Widnes, Runcorn, Warrington etc. but I didn't know you had a team there! My local junior team is the Carrot River Thunder and the Nipawin Hawks (Saskatchewan junior) but I'm an old Dad now and don't play. All the best to you in your playing days make the most of it while you are young!

[@evman1094]

I've been a hockey player my entire life, Always A or AA level. I would beat an old lady with a broken hockey stick to even be a 4th Liner in the EIHL or NIHL. Shitty pro hockey is better than 0 pro hockey, which is unfortunately what I play right now

[@NinhLyUK]

I see.

[@rivefall6845]

Dude sounds like u grew up in Canada or something cus ur taking about A or AA level so I’m not sure what level it equates to but I’ve been playing 2 years (total if u take away the covid off time) and I’m playing 1 league below nihl (nihl1). You probably could make nihl

[@CB99364]

At least you play ice hockey I’m so jealous

[@therealcouchpotato9560]

You know your league sucks when Paul Bissonnette was one of your top players.

[@stevenloeffler1266]

Hey dont disrespect biznasty like that

[@simeon136]

Bissonnette wasn't a top player. He played 10 games in a Lockout season.

[@NinhLyUK]

I think the top player that ever came over here was Theo Fleury during the lockout (Belfast Giants). Either him or Wade Belak! (RIP Wade.)

[@simeon136]

@@NinhLyUK, definitely Fleury. In terms of high profile over skills, Cam Janssen and Big Ern McGrattan were up there too.

[@glenndsouza5447]

@@NinhLyUK Wade was a legit enforcer. He Ko'd Donald Brashear and Brashear has the best record of all the enforcers.

[@repsrandom6474]

“London is one with KHL” *me the russian who can’t afford to go there because my parents don’t want me to be professional hockey player in UK and try to force me to leave hockey before I even start to train for it*

[@Ycc_ScOrpio]

As a British ice hockey fan and player. You really don’t want to go to Britain to play you would want to stay in Russia

[@name028hfjsiwh2]

@@Ycc_ScOrpio but Russia is super fucked

[@Hogu02]

It’s easy to understand because we in Finland tend to have the same problem with football. We have a not-so-great league and little of funding. Luckily, because of the national team finally qualifying to an international tournament (yes, this was the first time ever) there seems to be a little light at the end the tunnel. So never lose your hope.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes I agree. It's not all doomed and for sure there's many positives. That said, I like Finland and Finnish people. And you guys play ice hockey so much better!

[@bensedg04]

Tired: getting promoted to the top tier and getting crushed by everyone in the world championship Wired: get the entire tournament cancelled due to COVID-19 so you technically have the same success as Canada

[@NinhLyUK]

Interesting take. Totally agree!

[@senorpasso8670]

This the ex boxer?

[@shitpants9602]

I'd love to know how you're getting tickets for the Utd-City game for 20 quid.

[@vinceyreay]

It's at City 😉

[@semajxocliw]

It would have been more interesting to investigate how Britain actually declined from a top 5 nation in the early years of the sport to a backwater even in the European regional scene. My guess would be no investment in community rinks, doesn't matter how good you are now if your kids aren't playing.

[@NinhLyUK]

Bingo, you basically just said it. But then again, so did I in a more roundabout way.

[@camerasandvids5908]

College football start at Rutgers Look at them now

[@NinhLyUK]

Interesting example.

[@nathanellis622]

Losing 76-0 to Michigan LMAO

[@beamerball666]

@@nathanellis622 and I think 77-3 or something to that school from Ohio

[@maninredhelm]

It didn't start at Rutgers. That "first college football game" involving Rutgers was more like how soccer was before the English added the rules against physical contact and hand touches. It was the Ivy League that first turned American Football into something we'd recognize today, particularly Yale and Harvard. Anything before the down and distance system was added by the Ivy League in 1882 would be better described as a disorganized form of rugby.

[@slassy]

@@maninredhelm what did they add the down and distance system *to*?

[@herpaderk8339]

I think introducing people to ice hockey and increasing participation largely starts on the outdoor rinks. I don't know what the winters are like in GB, but if your winters can sustain having more outdoor rinks built, I think that is a good place to get started. But until your domestic league becomes appealing enough to attract bigger crowds the rate of growth for the sport will be sparse. And to make it appealing, you need star power, and for star power, you need money so that they would actually sign with you, and for money, you need ticket revenue... And so on and so forth. But I think recent success with the GB national team you could see an influx of awareness to the sport -- along with the recent plans for a Canada vs GB national team friendly (which has been postponed ofc)

[@NinhLyUK]

Sadly, the UK's winter weather is quite mild. You're lucky to get snow, so outdoor ice hockey is largely out. But obviously, you understand the rather vicious nasty circle that the UK is in for ice hockey. Good international successes would be key - but it's very slow progress, for sure.

[@inhabitantwaps3qs803]

It doesnt snow in the uk.

[@ZeMoDzGaMeZ]

At 1:58 number 4 in the red jersey is me!!! That’s my team I grew up playing for called the glacebay miners and we were playing the north side Vikings in Sydney mines Nova Scotia!!!!!!!

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool dude, you're famous!

[@holoholopainen1627]

Great ! You got some coverage right there ! Well Done !

[@zinex_the_last1640]

Nkce

[@abhijaysingh2362]

thats acc sick

[@yh6469]

Wow

[@saulgoodman9188]

Here in belfast the giants are one of the big teams we have football and rugby teams dotted around the place but as far as i know the giants have one of the largest seating capacities of any arena/stadium in the country apart from Windsor park (national stadium) and the largest stadium in the league. I go to games from time to time and the stadium is regularly packed, there is no lack of interest in Belfast. Correction second biggest in the league

[@NinhLyUK]

It's a nice shindig at Belfast - been to a couple of games there and it's always a good time. Sadly, the rest can't be said about the rest of the country.

[@immersion726]

The Giants made a huge impact in Ice Hockey as they played a major role in uniting both sides of the divide in Belfast after the troubles. When I was younger I could always remember UTV talking about the Belfast Giants and the games were always packed. Sadly I couldn't name any other team in the league

[@saulgoodman9188]

Ninh Ly lol can’t disagree with you there

[@PoradoWeara]

Over a year later and I pretty sure the majority of ice rinks are struggling to keep its doors open in the UK. Very sad. Closest ice rink is a hour away and I live in a city with around 150k people. Should be one here!

[@tundrablast5514]

as a canadian thats so weird to hear because in my, There is literally a rink on every block and Ive played in hundreds of different rinks myself

[@brianka2846]

They should make more like the Canadian beer league's less talent more fun just bring lots of beer.

[@aagg6124]

Why England has never won the world cup after 1966?

[@Emper0rH0rde]

Short answer, because the game isn't the same as it was 50+ years ago. Back in the 1950s, and prior, *Hungary* were a world football powerhouse.

[@user-px1mr8ir6n]

@@Emper0rH0rde well that didn't make sense at all. Hungary produced great players because the communist government pumped more money into the sport and all of Hungary's international players played in the same domestic league team which meant players played with the same team domestically and internationally and knew each other very well. Just look at the Soviet hockey team for example. They had the same strategy.

[@user-px1mr8ir6n]

Because England were never really great competitors. Despite the talent they never had the winning mentality like US, Germany, Russia, China,etc. No one expects England to win the world cup. Once they play well everyone jumps on the bandwagon. Even the ones who never supported England in the first place.

[@NinhLyUK]

In short: the reason why England hasn't won since 1966, despite being the top nation for domestic football is simple: inability to evolve. - The FA is still being run by a group of old men that think they know better than the rest of the world. - The England National Team still plays the 'long ball game', which is heavily derided by the rest of the world and easily beaten. - It's only recently that they've started to match their playing style to that of France, Spain, Germany etc. It's a long coming, but finally there's progress.

[@Emper0rH0rde]

@@NinhLyUK Is that why they performed so well in the World Cup?

[@jakescriven9705]

This is a really accurate representation of why the sport is so difficult to get into and maintain in the uk?!! I played for 22 years before injury took me out of the game but oh my god I was blessed blesssssed to grow up in a town that had a rink Milton Keynes and yeah I used to travel from Milton Keynes to Cardiff to train for southwest England as a junior on a Friday night hahaha we have no structure here but fuck me what a sport

[@UntarWow]

"Ice hockey was invented by Scotland." Although it is easy enough to make this claim all you want, fact if the matter is shinty is indeed different than Canadian ice hockey as we know it today. I will accept that the roots of hockey, or it's concept comes from both shinty anc almost more so, field hockey... the ice hockey we all love is still Canadian. We do thank all of Scotland for helping us bring this game to what it is today. Peace, and thanks for the interesting video. I was always curious about why GBR have almost always been quite weak in international play as they have plenty of winter, and easily enough people living living there. This explains a lot.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks. Obviously, it all depends on the point of view that you take. Most Canadians will swear down that ice hockey is a Canadian invention, but international countries will see it a different way. And yes, the UK should be better at ice hockey than it is right now. Blame the broken system for that.

[@UntarWow]

@@NinhLyUK basketball has similar arguments. Canadian's like to claim it was a Canadian invention which is sort of correct. It was invented by a Canadian teaching in an American university. But if we are fair, Americans took the original game and changed it a lot into what we watch today. Curling too definitely a Scottish invention but Canadian's embraced that as well. And definitely one of the top contenders to deny us top spot.

[@miggslor9985]

Just because you invented shinny doesn't mean you than invented hockey. Its like saying you invented baseball because you invented rounders and cricket. Besides "Shinny" or variations of it was played all over world... at least in countries with cold winters and frozen lakes and ponds... Scotland just gave it a name.

[@1nONLY_DRock]

Considering how Ice Hockey in Canada took root in largely Celtic communities it's no surprise.

[@petermattboi]

@@NinhLyUK You could use the same argument to say that China invented football...

[@jacklong1844]

My media studies teacher mentions how his 9 year old nephew plays ice hockey in Manchester

[@NinhLyUK]

The nephew that plays in Manchester will most likely be playing in Altrincham (which incidentally is not Manchester!).

[@brooke-3615]

Very cool

[@elliothunt285]

@@NinhLyUK the altrincham rink has all manchester teams playing there, both adults and juniors

[@MarcT7761]

@@NinhLyUK not true...it is in Trafford and that is in Greater Manchester

[@ACBlackJ0ck]

Been following the Devils for a few years now, although attended my first match (against Nottingham) a couple years back. I am noticing a small increase in local coverage over the past couple years, our Rock & 80's/90's Music station sponsors them and Wales Today (our BBC Local News program) usually gives them a 5 second mention in the end of their sports segment (Hey it's still more than the West Wales Raiders RL ever get. Although that might be for good reasons! 🤣)

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, the coverage is small but it exists. It's a shame because it deserves so much more.

[@mrkristoff]

Back in '96 I used to watch Manchester Storm play at the arena, it was fantastic, huge crowds, lots of buzz about the sport. I still watch Storm now at a local ice rink and feel for the players, the game is obviously just as good as it was but they deserve better. I hope it takes off again!

[@edmontonboy99]

Someday a voice will tell a hardcore hockey fan in England to build the Rink of Dreams

[@NinhLyUK]

Believe it or not, they did. It's called the Manchester Arena, 17,500 state of the art hockey arena, that they now use predominantly for concerts because hockey wasn't a big enough draw. The same with the O2 in London.

[@edmontonboy99]

Ninh Ly So someone built it, and they came?

[@duplo8744]

I just moved to London from Canada and the ice hockey here is very different just like you said

[@NinhLyUK]

Very very different!

[@ryanevans126]

It's lot more popular in Canada then UK

[@kinkaid25]

Ice Hockey falls well down the rankings of a major sport in the UK 🇬🇧 Football Rugby Cricket F1 Just within that top four ice hockey won’t get a look in and everyone knows that on this page I bet Women’s Football has a Bigger Following in Britain than Ice Hockey. Ice Hockey will be just something the Brits go and see if every other sport is off.

[@connarcomstock161]

One thing I wanna point out about the league structure in Canada. Highschool/College don't really...matter. When you get to the OHL ( Junior A ) it's usually through AAA/A prior. That's not to say that people *don't* come out of those leagues, but Junior A is where you want to be if your serious about getting to the NHL. Also - to answer the question about why you'd watch The Game rather than soccer? I'm a Canadian. If there's hockey, and I'm in the UK, I'm going to watch it.

[@neilwhitaker6284]

I just made this point about junior hockey a year after you, hadn't read your comment. Even the lower junior leagues here in the Prairies are a big deal in small towns.

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

You also have to understand that in Canada and the northern USA kids can walk down to the local pond in the winter and play pickup hockey. Rinks arent even necessarily needed. This is something you cannot do in most of england.

[@owe_npo1216]

Fax

[@liams1991]

In my 23 years watching and 5 years playing I have to strongly disagree. It's not the UKs most popular sport. That's the issue. Doesn't mean it sucks.

[@frankie7529]

I would even go as far as to say ice hockey in the UK is better than most people realise. We have a professional league, with some media coverage, and the GB team is in the top division of the World Championship. Some much more popular sports are not doing nearly as well as ice hockey, e.g. field hockey.

[@mr.n.j.p.]

I'm a hockey fan from Canada. I've followed the goings-on of the various incarnations of the British league as well as the other European Leagues for years. It's neat to see where former NHLer's have gone. It may be lower calliber than here, but we'll pay $10,$20,$30 to watch junior hockey, and they're not pro's yet. It's just an amazing game!

[@NinhLyUK]

To be honest, Canadian Junior hockey is great! It's certainly the best value ticket in town. My relatives live in Mississauga and Brampton, and tickets to the Battalion and Ice Dogs games back in the day were cheap as hell. Great games to watch, I totally agree with your comment! :)

[@DrFunk-rk6yl]

True but if you pay to go see the CHL then you are also seeing future stars. I feel spoiled here with baseball where the Cape Cod league. It is similar to the CHL but it's free. They actually have 50/50 raffles where you can win money or prizes.

[@HKgaming86]

@@NinhLyUK I went to high school with a guy who played for the Battalion. No doubt, if you're going to see a live game around here, OHL or AHL are the best bang for your buck

[@NinhLyUK]

@@HKgaming86 yeah totally. Marlies at the Ricoh or Missisaug or Hamilton - can't really go wrong with those teams!

[@kmacdizzle]

I live just outside of Detroit so for years and years we would go watch the Plymouth Whalers play. Tickets were either $12 or $15 depending on where you sat. it was great entertaining hockey, its a shame they moved an hour away

[@J.J._Mason]

I’m a British ice hockey fan, although I must be honest, I watch German and Austrian ice hockey 👀😂

[@shottz7051]

Great video, cool to learn about this stuff! The only thing is hockey was invented in Nova Scotia, CA. I’m aware that translates to New Scotland but the sport was invented in the province

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks. But read the top comment.

[@BuckledFrame2187]

fun fact my granddad played in the Olympics for team GB in the 40s playing ice hockey

[@Classicrocker6119]

Hi Ninh. I'm going back a few years hut I do recall a player named Tony Hand who I believe was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1987 or 88. I recall he ran away with the scoring title in the UK league playing with a team called the Merrifield Racers in Scotland. All the best from John in Calgary.

[@NinhLyUK]

Hi John. You would be correct! Tony Hand was possibly Britain's best ever player and was indeed drafted by the Oilers. He famously chose to return to Britain instead of signing with their farm team at the time, something that he regrets in his autobiography, And yeah, he was a beast. He had over 4,000 career points and played well into his 40's. Tony is now director at the Murrayfield Racers. Thanks! :)

[@Necrovamp101]

He's one of the bastards who re-formed Murrayfield Racers and arsed the Capitals out of their rink. He said if the racers couldn't get into the elite league the capitals would get their rink back. The Capitals folded and now the racers play at Murrayfield in the SNL. No respect for this guy.

[@jameshicks5085]

The eihl is growing and getting more well known. Its now shown live regularly on free sports with a weekly highlight show. I generally go from watching Rotherham united straight through to Sheffield arena to watch steelers as do a lot. Kirky is quality and doing the same as majority of players his age in playing in the ohl.

[@NinhLyUK]

I'd argue that the Super League era was more attended, more watched on TV too. As for Liam Kirk, he's decent. But a 189th overall draft pick on one of the worst team in the NHL - I don't fancy his chances.

[@jameshicks5085]

@@NinhLyUK not saying kirky will make it over there, just stating he's currently playing we're the majority of lads his age are. He's been playing well this season and was given an A if he's playing in the ahl next season he's got as good a chance as anyone to make an appearance in the nhl. If he's playing at a club you say isn't the best then shouldn't that give him more of a chance?

[@joysandy333]

Have you done a video on rules/history of croquet?

[@NinhLyUK]

No.

[@tomsmith5584]

Fun fact: When the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded in Ireland, they banned anyone who participated in or even watched a "foreign" sport. This included association football, rugby, cricket and ice hockey.

[@3dsaulgoodman43]

So all you get to play and watch is Gaelic football and hurling?

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that's true!

[@galoglaich3281]

@@3dsaulgoodman43 The ban is gone since 1972.It wasn't that you weren't allowed to play other sports it only applied to english sports and even the english sports you could play them,but the GAA would kick you out,so you couldn't play gaelic football and soccer at the same time as happens all the time now.The GAA would even ban you if you went to a fundraising dinner in a rugby club. not sure if it applied to ice hockey though i think it was only field hockey,because ice hockey was canadian and would not have been much of a threat.

[@NiamhKeoghan]

My dad played soccer under a fake name as a youngster while he carried on playing Hurling. The total ban has been gone since the 70s but Gaelic grounds still get windy about other sporting codes using their facilities. It's usually just british sports like rugby and soccer this applies to. They have an American football game hosted in croke park every year, and that's supposedly hallowed ground for Gaelic games.

[@giantbros2546]

​@@galoglaich3281since then Ireland improved a lot in sports ire is no 1 in rugby , top 10 in cricket hockey and ranked 50 in fifa

[@XenosTheGamer]

I love hockey. Hope the sport keeps growing

[@NinhLyUK]

Me too. That responsibility belongs to the organisers of the sport.

[@IAmLedsterOo]

@Ninh Ly and the fans to spread thr word.

[@jackdale1464]

id really like to see you do a video on all the positives behind hockey in the uk, it might just help spread awareness of the sport and boost the profile a bit

[@NinhLyUK]

That would pre-suppose that I have a positive opinion about it. As a Manchester Storm fan, I simply don't.

[@scottfletcherr1457]

@@NinhLyUKWell GB just made the top.pool of the World Championship despite the facts Ice Hockey isnt a mainstream sport and we have so few rinks.......so that shuts up an smart arse youtube troll like you.

[@TheGiantKillers]

@@NinhLyUK I would counter that with Belfast Giants. Full house 8,000 arena some games attracting enough ticket requests to fill a 15,000 seat arena if they had one. Season ticket waiting list, Extensive local media coverage. Regarded as the second most popular pro sports team in Northern Ireland after Ulster Rugby. The giants are very much a success story of UK Ice Hockey and the only downer for them is how few other teams in the UK have been able to attract the same level of local support from media and public.

[@gregor3935]

I’ll pay £20 to watch Liam Kirk anyday 😂

[@arimermelstein9167]

When we (USA) played you guys in the 2019 worlds, we didn’t win by much, and I was really impressed with your goalie who was marvelous.

[@NinhLyUK]

5-2 is still a convincing score. But yeah, Ben Bowns played well that day.

[@liamknowles6658]

I agree with almost everything you say in this video. As a fan, rec player and dad to 2 junior players I can confirm that most of our facilities are poor and generally you’re miles from one. Last weekend I had one kid in Hull (Almost East coast) on Saturday and one in Widnes (Almost West coast) on Sunday. Next weekend we’re in Billingham (North East). That will be over 8 hours of driving for away games in 2 weeks. One of mine plays football and 8 hours driving would probably cover his entire season. More rinks and less league enforces red tape would help the sport grow and improve from the bottom up. Some kind of media coverage would be great too!

[@NinhLyUK]

Believe it or not, I feel your pain! As a former Blackburn player, it'd be Whitley Bay one week and Telford the next. The travelling was horrible. And I agree with your suggestions - that would help massively!

[@egpx]

Hey Ninh, Clan fan here. Pretty accurate description of the sport in the UK but you can’t really compare it to the NHL. No country in the world has a league that compares with the NHL as it takes all the best players from wherever they have learnt their hockey. Despite its obvious problems I’d still rather pay eighteen quid to watch an EIHL game than twice that to watch Premier League football. It might not be top quality hockey but games are still pretty exciting. I see you have a soft spot for the Storm. I was in Alty a couple of weeks ago for the Clan game and it really is a dive. Good atmosphere in the place though.

[@NinhLyUK]

I think the KHL is close in terms of playing standard, though there's no doubt that the NHL pays the most amount of money. Can you compare like for like? Of course not. But even if you compared the Elite League to the DEL, or the Elitesarien, the organisation and money is terrible in comparison. I used to watch the original Manchester Storm back in the mid 90's. It was a great atmosphere, the arena was world class (what's now the Manchester Arena, whatever you want to call it) and the standard was pretty decent. Sadly, this new iteration of the Manchester Storm plays like crap, the atmosphere isn't what it used to be, and Altrincham Ice Rink is a dump that's hard to get to. I like ice hockey just as much as you, but when there's no shortage of entertainment for your hard earned money (United, City, Sale Sharks, Wigan Warriors etc.) - something has to give. I'm sadly not the only one that thinks so.

[@egpx]

@@NinhLyUK Oh I know. I took my sister along to that Storm v Clan game. She was quite into the original Storm and this was her first time in Alty. She was less than impressed! I was happy as Clan won though, even if I couldn't see a third of the action due to the terrible sight lines. I used to be an Ayr Eagles fan and those few years of the ISL were great. The Storm and the Eagles went kaput within a week of each other in 2002. The EIHL isn't quite as good in but somehow it's lasted seventeen years despite its failings.

[@NinhLyUK]

Oh yeah, the old Super League days were the best! Ayr were always a nasty team to play against, makes for good watching. And believe it or not, that's my point. The Elite League has somehow regressed from the Super League ... it almost seems a step backwards in my opinion.

[@treerat7631]

The KHL is the second best League in the world

[@yagacomicart]

Really I saw that the oldest stick was in Nova Scotia and yes I am aware that Nova Scotia means new Scotland and When i researched it read Ice hockey is believed to have evolved from simple stick and ball games played in the 18th and 19th centuries in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. ... The contemporary sport of ice hockey was developed in Canada, most notably in Montreal, where the first indoor hockey game was played on March 3, 1875.

[@NinhLyUK]

CLAP .... CLAP .... CLAP Congratulations, you read Wikipedia for 30 seconds. Try reading several books, including 'A History & Philosophy of Sports' by Mechikoff & Estes. Deny it all you want, but Ice Hockey is a Scottish invention. The first games played preceded Canada as a country. Whether they used a ball or puck is irrelevant.

[@niallhumphreys6918]

Ninh Ly It wasn’t just the Scottish. It was brought over by British soldiers and there were different versions of the same game across the British isles. Saying it was just Scottish excludes the Irish game of Hurling and how puck also has Irish origin. Shinty and Hurling are similar. They might have made one sport out of the two sports the British soldiers were playing.

[@marykatherinegoode2773]

@@NinhLyUK no ninh, you are actually wrong. The Scottish invented a game called ice shinty, an ancestor of ice hockey; it is also known as bandy. That sport uses a ball and not a hockey puck. Read all about it here. collections.musee-mccord.qc.ca/scripts/explore.php?Lang=1&tableid=11&tablename=theme&elementid=60__true&contentlong

[@kinkaid25]

@@niallhumphreys6918 you’re partly correct but some parts are amiss. British soldiers definitely played the game of ice hockey no doubt about it as it it written and documented and that was before Canada became a nation/country. Britain 🇬🇧 have long since used ice for fun sports up and down our glorious isles but as an Englishman, Scotland showed the possible first roots of hitting something on ice with a stick, after all Scotland did invent Golf and done in a similar way where a club/stick is used to force projectile through air. Scottish, English, welsh & Irish soldiers would have definitely been playing the first form of ice hockey in Canada, all brought by Scottish soldiers to boost the morale and keep warm.

[@superally09]

Accessibility is the main issue I reckon. In terms of facilities, I live just outside of Glasgow and off the top of my head, there are 4 rinks (I might be wrong) within the surrounding area - Braehead, Coatbridge, Hamilton and East Kilbride. The first 3 have hockey playing out of those rinks, however Hamilton is more of a curling rink and not ideal for hockey but they give it a go at least. East Kilbride rink is in the middle of a shopping centre and mainly a leisure rink but used as a curling rink as well - simply not safe nor big enough for hockey. Braehead is the only rink that can accommodate spectators in decent numbers. Of course, slightly further afield there are rinks in Kilmarnock and Ayr. However, the latter has been under threat from closure in recent times, but looks to have been saved for the time being. Funding from local councils for ice rinks is way down the list in terms of priorities. Ice time in general is at a premium and there are so many hours in the week to accommodate for as many as possible. I played inline/ roller hockey as an alternative because it is more accessible (being played in sports halls) - provided you can find a place to play. Very few places were willing to support because of (unfounded) concerns about damage to their facilities. Any potential interest (from a casual follower) in the game is simply wiped out. Given how popular football and rugby are in the UK - I see no reason as to why the powers that be in these sports are taking money from the public funding bodies. The EPL is the richest in the world, I'm fairly sure that there is plenty of money to go around into local community projects. On the whole, the UK is criminally guilty of funding the sports that barely need any more exposure. To put it simply, we are pigeon-holing (if that is even a word - probably not) our youngsters into the big sports rather than getting them to diversify into the lesser sports. For all we know there could be another potential Tony Hand or whoever out there but we might never know because they are being pushed towards football/ rugby without access to a rink (unless they have the money to be able to play of course).

[@NinhLyUK]

In short, I agree. But I think you're lucky - you actually have a few facilities around you. Other people in this country aren't so fortunate. But yes, it's underfunded for sure and I think that most kids see more of a future in football and rugby than anything else.

[@ponyonoodles6568]

"KHL wants a team in London" Well... I don't think that's happening any time soon...

[@MegaJustGeorge]

Well, Ninh - the nation of Kenya is trying to organize a men's ice hockey team to compete in the Winter Olympics, so I suppose that anything's possible in a totally infinite universe of sport. This video is rather good - it even gives me ideas for a fictional league I could play out using a board game of the sport. I thank you for this video - and I wish you only the best.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks George. I've seen stranger things happen so I wouldn't be surprised if Kenya fields a team in the Olympics!

[@brooke-3615]

They do get funding from Tim Horton’s ;)

[@AllyStrikesBack]

Somalia has an international Bandy team.

[@tylershep4220]

The KHL wants a team in London? And we thought a Chinese KHL team was a crazy idea...

[@NinhLyUK]

It WAS a crazy idea and so is a London team. That said, if anybody can do it, the KHL can.

[@juhomantynen4638]

I think the UK needs a top league merger with one or more other Western European countries. Central Europe has some good level hockey when smaller countries provide a couple teams to a league covering many countries. That way there is more competition for roster spots and UK viewers get to see higher level international hockey.

[@insertcolorherehawk3761]

@@juhomantynen4638 So the French League(how in the world Nottingham won their CHL group in 2017-18 is beyond me)

[@MrEsandSecrets]

@@juhomantynen4638 That idea is far to sensible to be accepted by anyone involved in running UK Ice Hockey unfortunately.

[@ladislaovs]

To be honest, Chinese KHL team is much crazier idea than KHL team based in London. Brits at least have a national team that managed to get to the Elite division and has an actual hockey league. China is very far behind.

[@m-0-zzz-619]

Fully agree , as a Storm ⛈ fan it's sad to see that the crowds have dwindled down and we lost the M.E.N arena as our home ice .. at one time we sold out at like 17000 against the steelers an now on average we get 900

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, as a fellow Storm fan, I'd have to agree.

[@deathtoluke]

I remember asking you to do a KHL in the UK video. Glad you covered it. However under the current global situation it doesn't seem to be so close.

[@NinhLyUK]

I covered it - whether it will happen or not remains to be seen.

[@epicrandomperson1998]

To play Ice Hockey, you need to be able to ice skate. In my 20 years of life so far, I've been ice skating once when I was about 7 or 8 and I don't even live that far away from a rink (less than half an hour away by car) Football is a cheap game that's easy to play in a rudimentary form with essentially just a cheap ball, Ice Hockey is the opposite of that. The sport is too difficult to get into and this country doesn't have any of the infrastructure to compensate. People want to watch sports that they were able to play as a kid and where the pros are people like them, ordinary British kids from a normal background. Instead when they watch Ice Hockey they see foreigners and when they do see a Brit, they probably either grew up abroad or they were well off enough to afford all the ice time and equipment necessary to train at a high level. That's why football's popularity continues to grow and most other team sports can't get a foothold. Basketball has potential for growth but probably needs a lot of grassroots funding which it is never going to get

[@gill8076]

Jacob Springall ive skated since i was two and never joined a team by choice as id rather try out in a few years for a semi pro of professional team (im Scottish)

[@user-px1mr8ir6n]

Then why do brits watch the premier league lol. All are foreigners. Barely any decent English player

[@epicrandomperson1998]

@@user-px1mr8ir6n Perhaps a better way to explain it is this. When people watch football, they know that if they had had the natural talent and the work ethic to be a top footballer, then they would have been a top footballer. The game is accessible enough that anyone in this country could have made it if they were good enough. We'll never know how many Englishmen would have been naturally talented enough to be ice hockey players, because barely any have been able to try it out and many have never even been ice skating. So most people look at ice hockey and think, even if I was talented at this sport, we'll never know. Also to claim that there are barely any decent English players in the Premier League is ridiculous. 10 of Burnley's starting 11 were from the British Isles in their last game against Tottenham. Anyway, Its not necessarily whether that the players they're seeing are English or not, but that any Englishman who is good enough and works hard enough could be on the field.

[@NinhLyUK]

I agree with you Jacob. There needs to be a solid grassroots participation, kids need to play this game and there needs to be a culture of it (like there is football). And even then, there needs to be a structure for kids to excel in the sport and become professionals themselves. Sadly, all three things are lacking here in Britain.

[@dawsonj7016]

britain isnt a winter country either so the correlation isnt genuine

[@andresaristizabal6915]

1:23 In Colombia we only have 5 rinks in the country .-.

[@NinhLyUK]

Wow! I thought our country had a lack of rinks, but 5 rinks? That's not good.

[@danny9405]

That’s honestly more than I imagined. My family is Colombian, I’ve visited Colombia many times, and I only recently discovered that hockey exists in Colombia.

[@Rainaman-]

I wonder whats the IIHF ranking. And to be fair, after gaining independence from USSR (Latvia), we had around 5-6 rinks. Once we got thru destroying low tier teams (in 1993 32-0 against Israel) and getting in elite group, in our first years we destroyed Russia and US. And got in quarter finals and came close to semi-finals. It is all down to motivation and popularity of the sport.

[@is5052]

Same with us in Indonesia, my city has a metro population of 8 million, but only 1 rinks. Tropical country problem I guess

[@viberzzz]

Great video, I would also add the eye watering cost of the players kit and equipment as a barrier and put off compared to other sports

[@sm0iks698]

The rinks are a problem i remember travelling to an ice hockey game at 6 in the morning ,which was located in whitley bay (near scotland) just to lose which was a pain in the ass

[@BronzeManul]

Saw the Nottingham Panthers (vs. Belfast) earlier this year as my first hockey game ever. I despise football (soccer), love watching American football, but have never seen an American football game in person. Frankly I found the game fantastic to watch, tho I have no doubt it would've been even more fantastic to watch an NHL game in person had I had the chance. I honestly didn't know we had a pro-league until seeing the game was suggested by a flatmate, but seeing it makes me wish we had a more developed system for the sport here. Honestly the biggest problem in my mind is that both the lack of a clear pathway from an early age and the lack of ice rinks around the country are a result of the sport being overshadowed/pushed out of the limelight by more popular sports like football, rugby, and the unbelievably inferior sport that is field hockey..... 😕

[@NinhLyUK]

I totally agree. It's a shame that UK Ice Hockey is so badly organised, marketed and there are barely facilities that cater for it. Otherwise, I think it'd catch on. It worked in the 90's boom with the Super League, it can work again!

[@nathanbrisebois8756]

I've got to agree with you, I've never been to the UK but I've been looking into the British pro League since I found out about it a few months ago, the lack of focus on hockey and youth programs compared to say soccer (football, whatever, I'm across the pond) For example. And I'm certain the UK'S best players are likeley playing in the DEL or SHL or KHL Why not get paid more for your talents

[@jasonmoser8957]

if you get to see a pro game in the US or Canada do - the speed will blow you away.

[@MrEsandSecrets]

@@NinhLyUK "It's a shame that UK Ice Hockey is so badly organised" This is an excellent example of British understatement...

[@nathanbrisebois8756]

@Sid Osmond I've been watching some old NHL games from the 90s, and people say the game is way faster these days, but I can't fully agree. It's faster flow overall, but I find hockey in the 90s had a better flow. It was gritty and slow but punctuated with alot of high speed high skill plays. And sure there was goonery, but I think it's better to have a guy to go out and clobber someone when they're fucking around instead of all the backhanded, behind the play, slewfooting and chopping. The enforcer role still exists, but you have to be able to produce as well, which is a good, natural progression of the game, but I feel that the current state of the NHL promotes alot of rattiness, with no leeway for enforcers to hold the rats accountable. The EIHL reminds me alot of the 90s era, that's why I like it. When I eventually find my way across the pond I'll be sure to watch a game while I'm there

[@jacklong1844]

That Nike ad pretty much sums it all up “No one plays Ice hockey in London, I have to be my own team, my own opposition and my own coach”

[@NinhLyUK]

I don't believe I've seen that?

[@jasonjones6463]

I played hockey as a peewee, and then junior in the Uk in the 80s. I loved the game but lack of rinks and ice time for training were the problem. I reckon there are fewer rinks now…such a shame as it is by far the greatest team game I have experienced.

[@ryiscept]

My dad has vhs tapes of Durham Wasps. And there are queues out the door and the arena always looked jam packed. The last team I watched was Newcastle Vipers before that went bust

[@williamhowe1]

The sun never rises for the British ice hockey team.

[@NinhLyUK]

Apparently not, no.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Thatwhat Many said in Finland ! That Our Soccer / Football Never makes it to 2020 EURO Tournament ! We just started to look for players - that werent making it - to JOIN THE FINNISH SOLUTION ! You may be # short # any color # born in any Country ! We have Swedes / Germans / Albanians / Slovakians / to MAKE OUR TEAM ! Just HAND OUT some UK Passports to Finnish & Bratislava Players !

[@Rainaman-]

@@holoholopainen1627 that defeats the whole idea of a national team and it becomes a mercinary force, just like France hockey team is just team Canada at this point

[@holoholopainen1627]

@@Rainaman- There are these two ways to Do It ! Hand Out Passports to players - That are OUTSIDE - Their NATIVE National Team ! #2 Start using ex players as Coach ! Finland HAS trained young players - by Many Different Coaches ! Thru Years / We have had Czech & Canadian & Swedes - with TOP SKILLS PROGRAMMES ! TODAY - We are The ONLY COUNTRY IN EUROPE - Where Ice Hockey is #1 SPORT !

[@jeffwarren1242]

@@Valokaari Their vice captain is of Slovak decent and was born in Slovakia. And a Dutch player from Amsterdam with a Finnish mother.

[@troyfyvie4718]

You forgot to mention when Belfast played against the Boston Bruins in 2010

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, completely forgot about that.

[@realtalk6195]

While Northern Ireland is UK, they are separate from the Great Britain side.

[@neilwhitaker6284]

At 3:28 you make a valid point however Junior hockey is rated above college and High School hockey in almost all situations in Canada. Most players in the NHL come from Major Junior hockey rather than college (although some do). We have junior leagues here a level or two below Major Junior in small towns that get 1000 spectators in the stands or 1500 for big playoff games. My local teams are the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey league (the league below Major Junior) and the Carrot River Outback Thunder of the Prairie Junior Hockey League (the league below Saskatchewan Junior Hockey league). On big games it feels like the whole town comes out to watch!

[@markturner6755]

Thanks for the video. Really interesting. I thought most of the Elite league players are imports mainly from Canada and America that’s certainly the case for my club. We only have a handful of British players.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Mark. Yes, I think most Elite League teams that need to be competitive tend to hire more imports than they probably should.

[@Necrovamp101]

@@NinhLyUK It's the same in English Premier league football. Not too many British in that either.

[@teamrogers1047]

So they have the same attendance as Florida and Ottawa ?

[@NinhLyUK]

Nah, Florida and Ottawa have infinitely more. And that's saying something ...

[@reaganharder1480]

@@NinhLyUK I guess empty seats count for something?...

[@colehall6650]

The NHL needs to show these guys some exhibition games. That way the ice hockey community around the UK would be more interested and eventually as people have more passion towards the sport there will be better players and better teams.

[@NinhLyUK]

They tried that with the NHL Premiere in London. Once they realised they were fighting a losing battle, they never came back. They go to every other country in Europe now.

[@nancysexton4364]

What a pleasant surprise! I recognized you from stumbling across your NFL/London vlog last year, which I loved. When you popped up today with this I checked past vlogs and found out you like NASCAR too (are you sure you're British?) During the NHL strike I saw some BBC Sports interviews with players in the UK talking about adjusting to the differences in the game and culture (being flummoxed by Marmite was esp. funny.) Since then, I've wondered what the fans and players thought about it all.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks! Yes, I do all sorts of videos for my three KZbin channels. North American players have some adjusting to do if they choose to play over here!

[@darylarmstrong79]

I wish you did a bit more research into the journey of the British hockey team in the last 5 years. It might not feel like it but we are living in a Golden era for British hockey. It’s a minority sport in the UK. For us to be competing in successive top tier World Championships is incredible. Not long ago we were completely in the third tier. Successive promotions and a incredible fight to stay in the top tier last season brought me some memories I will truly treasure. Ice hockey in the UK can be compared to cricket on Canada. They play the sport, they have franchise T20 but I don’t see them coming close to playing in any world championships. As someone who supports a team in the third tier of British Ice hockey this negativity does nothing to help support or grow the sport in this country. Positives I would’ve included: 1. The Elite league is the only British league to have representation for all 4 countries. 2. The tickets are very cheap. You can see most games for under £20 and many teams offer great discounts. 3. Despite the lack of funding the Elite league is ranked 8th in Europe above nations that take the sport more seriously like Norway, Poland, Slovakia and France. 4. The British Team journey all the way to the top tier of world hockey. Ice hockey in the UK desperately needs to encourage fans to buy tickets. Videos like this could kill the curiosity of that UK NHL fan and actively stop him purchasing a ticket to see their local club.

[@NinhLyUK]

My research is just fine, thank you. Your ability to read the top comment before posting ... not so much. To answer your other points. - That's because most of the other sports have separate governing bodies per country. (English FA, Scottish FA etc.). That's not exactly a plus, it's more a necessity to ensure survival rather than an actual choice. - I'm not saying tickets are expensive. Under £20 a game is pretty good. But £20 could also get you a ticket to Manchester United or Manchester City (cup games) with kids tickets being fixed at a tenner. If a new fan to sport was to come along ... who are they going to pick? That was my point. - I don't deem the countries you've named to take ice hockey more seriously than the UK. - That's true. And they've done well to reach the big time, I mentioned this in my video. However, they've also done it before in 1995, only to go back down and be in hockey purgatory for 25 years. Consistency is key. In short - I do not believe that this video will (or was intended to) discourage people from playing or watching ice hockey in the UK. The people that govern this sport are doing that all by themselves. Nothing that I said in this video wasn't true. Could I have been a bit more positive about it? For sure. But arguments are stronger when you only argue from one side.

[@herlawman]

Do a video like this on the bbl (basketball in Britain). Is interesting since basketball is popular in the uk with high participation and nba viewing but no one watches the domestic game

[@NinhLyUK]

Waaay ahead of you. Script and voiceover already done.

[@herlawman]

Ninh Ly nice one mate. Hope there’s a few mentions of my team the Newcastle Eagles 🦅. Must be said tho they key imo for the bbl is to get a few community based teams in London and Birmingham. Trying to fill the copperbox is dumb when you could have a Croydon, Kingston, Clapham etc based teams playing out of a leisure centre with 2,000 or so die hard fans. Kinda the model eagles took with the community arena

[@NinhLyUK]

I think the lack of marketing, awareness and grassroots development has more impact than the facilities. The Copperbox is a fine facility, shame there aren't more of them.

[@herlawman]

Ninh Ly problem is fans/participation hot beds are london and Birmingham which often don’t have teams, and attendance is low at the copper-box since it’s central London and isn’t tapping into a community fan base. I think there is a big potential to get teams in London to be successful if they are tied to community’s. Big arenas with no fans only works for a few seasons. See what happened to the lions this year. The Royals are doing well but I do fear that they can’t sustainably fill the copper box. Ownership of the court is also very important for playing in Europe, as Leicester have found and Eagles are planning for

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, I do agree with stable ownership - but not necessarily owning the court. Lots of pro sports teams in this country don't own the stadium they play in and it's fine. But when you're like the Manchester Giants, and literally play in a different place every season, you're not doing any favours to anyone.

[@puksindheep7561]

3:27 Junior hockey should be between high school and college hockey

[@NinhLyUK]

It's a stock image to illustrate my point dude.

[@mikespark72]

@@NinhLyUK I seriously doubt theres been a single NHLer that has been through EVERY one of those steps though TBH. Generally if you play major junior (CHL) you likely wont play college hockey (usually in the states). High school hockey here in Canada generally isnt nearly as big a deal as major junior, if you are a star player in a regular high school hockey team you might not even be able to crack a major junior team. Meanwhile if you are a star in the CHL you would completely demolish in any high school teams roster. Canadians tend to go through the CHL, Americans tend to go through their college system, though they sometimes do play on a CHL team (usually a team thats based in the US)... Very few American college teams would compete against an average CHL team, and a top CHL team would win at least 80% of the time against any American college team (IMHO). Now Baseball on the other hand has a more regimented minor league system (rookie league, low A, high A, AA, AAA, then MLB)

[@reaganharder1480]

@@mikespark72 The CHL does pull players from all over, and I believe is the largest single source of prospects for the NHL. They do tend to have more Canadians than any other nationality, but there's definitely been a good collection of Russians and Swedes who have played in the league.

[@Steve-eq8iz]

​@@NinhLyUK Well, your stock image is wrong.

[@alexlangbody]

Hi guys, I am from Montréal, Qc, Canada and I am moving in London in Octobre and as you imagine I am a big hockey fan (ice hockey). I wanted to see if anyone can tell if there's a team to support in London and what is the name on best league ? Thank you in advance !

[@hugheszie]

Hey dude, London Racers, Milton Keynes Lightning, London Raiders? If you've got kit, come join a bear league team or NIHL team (if youre good enough). Search EIHL or NIHL for the better teams.

[@NinhLyUK]

Il n'y a pas d'équipe de hockey sur glace 'Elite League' à Londres. Il est rare de trouver des clubs dans la capitale. Les meilleures équipes se trouvent dans le nord du pays.

[@alexlangbody]

@@NinhLyUK Ah cool, merci beaucoup pour l'info ! Est-ce qu'il quand même une équipe professionnel. Pas besoin d'être la #1, tout ce que je voir, c'est du hockey de "bon niveau". J'admet que le bon niveau, est assez relatif ahahaha

[@alexlangbody]

@@hugheszie Nice, thank you for the info. I would love to join a beer league team. I am coming in octobre. Do you have a league to suggest me?

[@NinhLyUK]

@@alexlangbody Il y a beaucoup d'équipes de "ligue de bière", mais elles varient toutes en standard. Si vous trouvez une patinoire, vous trouverez très probablement une équipe. Vous devrez vous découvrir s'ils sont bons!

[@mattiaspaulrud]

As a Swedish former State Championship winning Goaltender. Recruited at 12 and then recruited and sponsored at 14 to play in 2 teams at the same time. Later on Winning the State Championship. 1 League I was warned to stay away from were UK because they did not have a full support system at all during or after playing as a pro. Their senior Elite pro were also considered to be on a similar level as Swedish Division 2 or lower. which is 3 divisions lower than Swedish Senior Elite pro.

[@owe_npo1216]

Crazy

[@isaacwells8515]

As someone who grew up watching EHL games, I think UK hockey is awesome. Having a bog-standard arena gives it such a special underground feeling that you could never get with NHLs hockey, which cares more about promoting lexus cars.

[@ericwang1036]

Hmmm...I still prefer watching European football, is a much more fun sports to watch than hockey, hockey is just too much blood and fighting

[@isaacwells8515]

@@ericwang1036 that's fair enough man. I like both equally

[@jakeevans1129]

@@ericwang1036 pussy go and watch your fairies in football while hockey has fights and fun

[@sn0wblizzard300]

One other interesting way teams attract better players is by partnering with universities to offer masters courses while the players play

[@NinhLyUK]

Believe it or not, they do that. Instead of paying players with money, they paid them with education from an affiliated University. Edinburgh Capitals had a deal with Heriot Watt University, Nottingham Trent university did the same with the Panthers etc.

[@jakeevans1129]

@@NinhLyUK cov blaze and cov uni

[@billB101]

Didn't help that they closed a load of great rinks down in the 80's. I mean. Ice skating isn't even that popular in the UK but it's a great way of keeping fit. And that's why I still throw on my CCM's and go flying around the rinks in London.

[@senorpasso8670]

Well, I must be a 'die hard' as myself and teenage daughter attended the shown pre-Olympic Qualifiers & regularly go home & away with The Storm, including the 7-0 thrashing in Sheffield on Boxing Day! We just love the atmosphere whatever, having been intoxicated taking in the Maple Leafs last year in Toronto. This is a well-thought out - condensed video, of the woes within our game here in the UK, but ultimately is a tale of hope for the future. Myself personally, I just would like to see a homegrown Brit play in the NHL; London to have a team again; it remain free on Freesports & survive the pandemic ( Covid-19).

[@NinhLyUK]

Exactly! You see the video for what it is - not like some of the other primitive haters out there. And yes, as a fellow Storm and Leafs fan - it's painful to see the sport in this state. Arguably though, it's in by far the best shape out of all the North American sports in this country (see my other videos). Thanks!

[@mav0632]

as a Hungarian i laughed on that sarcastic line about us :D i think we are improving because our strongest teams are not staying in Hungary to win easily but they are getting into stronger leagues in neighbouring countries as the Austrian and Slovak league. the experience our players are getting there are crucial to make the national team stronger and i think it is actually working. i don't follow UK ice hockey but the really strong teams should think about discussing with the nearest nation with a stronger league. on the other hand, when UK beat us in our capital with an extremely intense last few minutes "final push" so you got into the top, i can't remember there was any big media coverage but i live in London and none of my British friends ever heard about it... when we did it years ago for the first time since ages, the whole nation went into ice hockey craze, newspaper's front page, TV news, everything. UK hockey is good, absolutely could be better but it needs more promotion, investment, facilities, looking outside for stronger leagues, and the game will be more enjoyable so fans and new players will come.

[@NinhLyUK]

That wasn't sarcastic ... we can't beat your country! But I honestly agree with all your comments. It's possible to make culture and a craze when your national team is winning, for sure.

[@quickdry3]

this is so crucial, and they're lucky they're able to be playing in those leagues it will do wonders for their skills. in Australia/New Zealand we have the small player base - but access to overseas leagues is difficult because players get caught up in the "import rules". (Don't even get me started on the money extortion racket that is the IIHF's insistence on players purchasing International Transfer Cards for elite amateur / non-full professional leagues. At best it fills coffers for fancy hotels - but mostly it just limits player development, especially in Europe where a rink in another country could be 10 minutes down the road in one direction)

[@theunknownstuntman4010]

I love the line that even the guys running the league don't know what's happening most of the time but I will say that even in football (soccer), the most watched sport in the UK the guys at the top don't know what's happening either so that's not just an ice hockey problem

[@NinhLyUK]

That's kinda true, yeah. But I'd argue that the Premier League is better organised than UK Ice Hockey. 100%

[@760Miramar]

3:09 In San Diego, not every one knows the AHL Gulls exist (since 2015) and it just feels sad when someone says "We have a hockey team?" Usually everyone knows the Padres, Aztecs and the Chargers. And Gulls rarely get games aired on TV.

[@GM-yc9yq]

I know about Cardiff Devils, Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers too, mostly because of Champions Hockey League. I like to play for those teams in the NHL videogames series. Are there many others in the elite league, or I missed just a few?

[@NinhLyUK]

There's 10 teams in the Elite League but the ones you mentioned are the richest 4 teams that generally win everything. That's probably why you've heard of them (and yet another problem that I didn't mention in this video).

[@GM-yc9yq]

@@NinhLyUK ah, ok. There's a club in my country's league which is the champion 4 times in a row now. It is starting to get a bit annoying.

[@NinhLyUK]

My points exactly.

[@mutated__donkey5840]

I saw the thumbnail and don’t process the Union Jack and I was like hold tf on there buster

[@NinhLyUK]

I doubt you were the only one.

[@rosewilde4366]

3:48 as a hockey fan from Edinburgh that one hurts...

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, very sad what happened to the Caps. They didn't deserve being ousted from their own rink.

[@Pgcito]

I understand you because we have a similar (probably worse) situation in Italy. In the 90s we had NHL players in our league and did well in 1994 WC we hosted, it all went downhill for a combination of lack of interest from people, media, investors, sponsors and the parochial management from the “Austria-oriented” federation who always opposed expansion to bigger and richer cities. Like GB we go up and down the top division, losing to every Top ranked team. We will host 2026 Winter Olympics and they are now building 2 arenas in Milan - where (embarrassingly) there is no team anymore (Milano Bears play in some sort of third league). An example to follow would be Germany, who from nothing are now high in the ranking.

[@dobryden.6241]

At least Italy in hockey olympic tournament will not be so poor as China in hockey olympic tournament

[@lucas_k23]

I wouldn't say Canada has a good league structure. I played over there for three years and it occurred to me that the sport was quite unorganized. E.g. here in Germany and generally in Europe, you need a license to play and there are all kinds of bureaucracies involved. All youth leagues are covered in an online database and some are even live streamed online. In Canada, you just pay $400 (MUCH more in AAA etc) or so and just play... The leagues in Canada also seem kind of messed up, because their are high school leagues and independent leagues. Besides the OHL, there are other leagues in the same age group like the BCHL even though the WHL already exists. I think all of this is because of a lack of communication on a national level...

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, obviously that's your experience and I'm sorry to hear that you had such a bad one. I couldn't possibly comment on that, given that I've never been part of the Canadian system. But I can probably say that it's still a damn-sight better than what we have here!

[@Jaymsie.]

I always wondered why Britain wasn’t more into hockey. I thought it was probably because football is a bigger sport worldwide, and you guys invented that too. Plus it’s so cheap to play by comparison - however, not for us. While it is expensive for ice fees, equipment, league fees, travel, etc., don’t forget Canada has ice in winter in even the warmest of our localities. All we need are skates & a twig for that…and a pond, lake, river, or a hose & a yard, lol. But I can give you one tip that would make it a better spectator sport almost immediately…stop playing on that giant ass IIHF rink, and start playing on an NHL regulation sized rink. It’s smaller, so the end to end action is faster. Sometimes it’s like watching a human pinball game. More exciting in my opinion.

[@sergeant_salty]

It's crazy to think that ice time in North America is already expensive and the Brits are paying even more. the lack of ice available is a huge issue for sure

[@HB-vt4fk]

Recommendation to change the title to “Why British Ice Hockey Should Be More Popular” or “Why UK Ice Hockey Isn’t Popular” because it does sadly come off as a bit of a shitpost, The national team has made unbelievable strides in the last few years after being actually terrible before and the league is moving away from the stereotype of ‘this is where nhlers come to end their careers’ as you can see that we’ve now got a permanent spot in the CHL and in regards to Liam Kirk, no one expected him to make the NHL 2 years after he was drafted so you can’t unnecessarily rip on Kirk when there are segments on North American NHL shows about him and the EIHL. The lack of recognition by the general public and the BBC does hurt the sports potential in this country though, that is true and the playoffs do need to be harder to win because the league is still the main trophy when in every other league in the world, the playoffs is the big one. Also throw aggregate into a fucking volcano because it sucks.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks for commenting and your suggestion. - Obviously you read my top comment, where I openly admitted being a little harsh on the national team. Yes, I fully acknowledge that they've done very well compared to years gone by. But on a world stage, they're still largely not competitive with the likes of Russia, the US, Canada etc. Which for a first world country - I find frustrating. - Liam Kirk - let's look at the situation realistically. He's a 7th round pick (189th overall) from one of the worst teams in the NHL. You and I both know that draft picks that low barely make it into the NHL, if at all. He looks like a decent player, and I hope he proves me wrong. But I've watched enough ice hockey to know that the odds are stacked heavily against him. - Yes, I agree that the lack of coverage especially from the BBC is quite shocking - given that they've lost the rights to almost every other sport. Why not show ice hockey? - And I totally 100% agree with getting rid of aggregate. Bloody awful!

[@HB-vt4fk]

Ninh Ly - I totally understand your point, the mix with the lack in popularity and not as much home grown talent has an effect but the team has made unbelievable strides and showed that they’re not just a team that goes to the WCs one year then goes straight back down. - Yes I understand about Kirk, it’s not impossible for him to make the NHL but you never know, they have a good system in Peterborough but yes it’s highly unlikely but the fact that a British born and trained player was good enough to get drafted is amazing but compared to other countries like Germany, Austria, Czechia and Slovakia, there’s still work to be done. - Everyone agrees with it mate don’t worry, every year the BBC Sport page asks viewers “what sport would you like to see more of?” 90% of those comments are ice hockey, yet they remain ignorant and not show it. - Aggregate sucks, like really sucks. Even a 3 game series to get to the playoff weekend would make it more interesting! Here’s an example, say Dundee gets Belfast in the first round and its aggregate, the giants win the first game like 5-0, what can Dundee do now? All the better team needs to do is play a defensive game and shut the weaker team out. Hence why there’s a lack of variety of teams at the PO final weekend every year. If there was even a 3 game series then teams like Dundee, Fife, Manchester would still have a chance as they would have 2 games to fight for their place instead of getting blown out in one game and their season be over, it’s shit. Thank you for responding mate, it shocked me that you were a UK ice hockey fan to be honest, thought it would be some Canadian shitposter ripping on us for no reason 😂🇬🇧

[@holoholopainen1627]

At Bratislava 2019 - Top 16 - The GB / UK Hockey Won over THE FRENCH ( Made it to Switzerland - Top 16 ) ! So if You say that Hockey is NO GOOD - so Whatabout The French ? Many of The Worlds Hockey Players are speaking French - LEMIEUX - FLEURY - RICHARD - BOSSY - and Many Others ! Sorry That I just Cant spell Their Names !

[@jamesnesbitt6788]

I started playing hockey last year I’m 20 and the only reason I can is because of university. It’s actually so hard in the UK. In my hometown my closest rink for hockey is 2 hours away

[@sdeepj]

To be fair, Liam Kirk making the OHL is an accomplishment in of itself. The Ontario Hockey League, along with the Western Hockey League (WHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL/LHJMQ) are what’s called major junior hockey. This is the top developmental system in hockey. Most NHL players are selected from these leagues

[@NinhLyUK]

Realistically ... 7th round pick (189th overall) - it's going to be an uphill struggle. Not many picks that low make it to the show, regardless of how much time they spend in Juniors.

[@sdeepj]

@@NinhLyUK No, doubt his shot at the NHL will be an uphill struggle, I don't think he'll go much further than the ECHL, before he goes back to Europe, and then he'll be lucky if he makes it to the KHL. I could see him in the DEL. But making Major Junior, which is the level one needs to make (along with the NCAA or the European Leagues) before being considered for the NHL, from a non-traditional place, is still a significant mark. Maybe another 10-15 years before a British born and trained player makes the NHL.

[@StammeringGecko]

3:28 how is high school hockey above junior hockey??

[@NinhLyUK]

It's a stock photo to illustrate my point. Chillax.

[@Crlongboarder]

I had to look at that twice and be sure I saw that 😂

[@juannieto2559]

4:55 what's that Calgary Flames knock off there?

[@maxbrooks8438]

Juan Nieto it’s the Guildford Flames best team in the league

[@elliotrook8118]

Juan Nieto Guildford Flames. Agreed that they’re a rip off

[@maxbrooks8438]

Elliot Rook u wait till u see them

[@NinhLyUK]

I'm surprised that the Calgary Flames haven't sued Guildford mercilessly! Another knockoff is the Bracknell Bees. They blatantly stole from the Sarnia Sting.

[@simeon136]

@@NinhLyUK, Guildford actually asked Calgary if they could do it and they agreed.

[@SRSpoony]

i have to agree with most of that to be fair, lacking coaching is a major issue as well and the fact we do nothing in schools to help say come on why dont you all have a day at the rink kids on the house and see if people can skate. im British i live in Switzerland im a sports reporter here for ice hockey and my 5 year old players, why ? because in October last year just before winter they gave all kids under 6 a free pass for a full week to try the sport and have fun, my kid just had an elite prospects event he just qualified for top 100 kids in Switzerland aged 5 at under 9 levels. enough coaches here to do this and parents who skate to help the coaches out when needed like sunday league football in the UK

[@NinhLyUK]

I think you're right. Getting kids to skate is probably a good idea into getting them into any sport, and lack of quality coaching is certainly a problem.

[@SRSpoony]

@@NinhLyUK damn only just had a notification of this reply, having seen the issues with Covid here in Switzerland and my son playing a normal season along with the whole NLA and NLB the UK could have easy followed the rules and set up the Swiss have done, SURE we have no fans stadiums since November and parents unable to watch BUT clubs streamed on KZbin and took the revenue streams themselves and kept themselves going, INSTEAD the team owners players and people run it all didnt have the spine or nuts to get a single thing done till well after a year to this new series, i have to be honest im shocked nothing happened at all while football carried on pretty much as normal. im a reporter for ice hockey in switzerland, i do stats in play reviews and analytics for in play info. it isnt hard to get anything going on a basic level for the fans and most players will have gladly given up there time and money to atleast be on ice BUT yeah weak minded leadership is costing the UK alot in terms of the sport and its very concerning and sad to see, i think in 10 years time there will be a handful of British people playing at best and it will be more like an international league and team set up

[@noahsoldchannel7116]

Bro so relatable, my family moved from Canada 6 years ago, I’ve played for 3 different teams, and yeah it is a struggle to find a team and also the long distance to travel.

[@NinhLyUK]

I know, right? It's nowhere near as easy to play like it is in Canada.

[@noahsoldchannel7116]

Ninh Ly Yeah, I’ve played for Blackburn Junior Hawks (2013-2015) Sheffield Stormers (2016-2018) and then Solway Sharks juniors (2018-2019) now this year I’m stuck

[@NinhLyUK]

I played for Blackburn - the ice sucks. Last time I checked, they still had that mound in the middle of the ice!

[@noahsoldchannel7116]

Ninh Ly yeah it still does, now the ice is melted in the edges of the boards as well

[@NinhLyUK]

Sounds about right.

[@sneedville8396]

I'm from the uk and I know hockey 👍

[@NinhLyUK]

Okay?

[@LeClaw]

Gold star for you 🙄👍

[@sirwoollyjumper4893]

Had the UK had the facilities, I would’ve been playing a looong time ago.. Football/Soccer just sucks...

[@NinhLyUK]

Facilities exist, they're just few and far between.

[@sirwoollyjumper4893]

@@NinhLyUK Unfortunately nowhere near me, haha- Good video as always though Ninh, thanks for taking time to reply ^^

[@NinhLyUK]

No worries, thanks for commenting.

[@treerat7631]

Soccer sucks

[@jamiemcdougall7368]

The fundamental issue is the structure, followed by the standard. The ISL raised the bar but was run without financial responsibility and wage cap rules were regularly circumvented. It was replaced by the EIHL but the standard dropped and the net result was many lost fans.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that's exactly right.

[@mathieuferlandkozicz1335]

I’m Canadian and I live and play in the UK. What strikes me is that you don’t have any skill coaches. In North America, it would be very rare for any top youth team not to have an individual power skating or skills coach that works with players independent of the team’s coaching staff. I have never seen this in Britain. As a result, many things like stride and technique always appear weaker in British-trained players.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that's actually true! I completely forgot to put that in, nice addition!

[@kalikoura]

Im not too sure if i agree with you on a few things on the video, some things like the facilities etc are 100% true... Buuuuuut the sport is ever so slowly growing and so is the media coverage, freesports shows a Elite Leauge game every week and last year the Challenge Cup finals were on the bbc red button. As for Liam Kirk he hasnt played for they Coyotes as he is a prospect and is playing Junior Hockey with the Petes like 99% of young nhl draftees. Feel you missed a trick too not talking about Nottingham, Sheffield or Belfast where the sport is very well supported and really does boom

[@NinhLyUK]

You're entitled to your opinion, of course. I did mention that Ice Hockey is making progress albeit very slowly (with TV coverage, progress of the National Team etc.) One thing I won't move on is Liam Kirk. Let's face facts, whilst he's a decent player, he's also a 7th round draft pick. The odds of him making an NHL roster are slim given that 188 players were picked before him. He's not even the best prospect at the Petes. As for talking about Nottingham and Sheffield, I could have spoken about that ... and the fact that the richest teams with the best facilities generally wins everything, thus making it an unfair game. But that'd just be putting petrol on a fire.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Even Some FINNS - Has played in Those Teams !

[@BlueLiberty20]

This could be the start of something new. Have you considered making videos explaining why sports struggle to gain international popularity, such as Aussie Rules, Gaelic Football, Sumo Wrestling, etc.

[@NinhLyUK]

That's not a bad idea! Thanks!

[@brokebankfishin4839]

My state only has 3 ice rinks but luckily I only live an hour from the closest one. Unfortunately tho we can go a week or more without drop ins so that sucks.

[@gl3110]

I played a little when I was young (the rink I played on is now gone) and enjoyed it but I've never been interested in it because its impossible to watch on tv...its so fast and the puck is so small I'm always behind on the action. While watching football is almost the perfect sport to watch on tv, it goes at a good pace and because its obvious who has the ball, you can follow very closely. You can predict and anticipate what might happen keeping you engaged.