- Hockey is an excessively violent sport: While there is physical contact in hockey, the rules have evolved to reduce the amount of dangerous hits and fighting. The focus is on skill and strategy, with players using their speed, agility, and stickhandling abilities to outmaneuver their opponents.
- The game is only for tough, rugged athletes: While hockey does require a certain level of physicality, there is also a high emphasis on skill and finesse. Many of the best players in the NHL are known for their speed, agility, and puck-handling abilities, rather than their size or strength.
- The game is too complicated to understand: While hockey does have its own set of rules and terminology, it is not any more difficult to understand than other team sports. Once you become familiar with the basic rules and strategies, the game can be just as enjoyable to watch as any other sport.
- Only Canadians play hockey: While it is true that hockey has a strong following in Canada, it is also a popular sport in many other countries, including the United States, Sweden, Russia, and Finland. The NHL has players from over 20 different countries, making it a truly international sport.
- Fighting is an integral part of the game: While fighting used to be more common in hockey, it is now penalized and discouraged by the league. The focus is on skill and sportsmanship, with players and coaches emphasizing the importance of teamwork and discipline on the ice.