The Spectrum

Issue date: 4/21/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: AP Photo/ CHRIS PUTMAN Freddy Adu may only be 15, but his growth as a player will be one of the most exciting reasons to watch the MLS perhaps only behind Landon Donovan

As the NHL continues to work on a salary structure to satisfy all, hockey fans across Sacred Heart's campus are still searching for excuses to throw their arms up in the air and yell, "Goal!"

While Stanley Cup Playoffs reruns and updated video games provide convenient opportunities, they cannot begin to approach the curiously fulfilling experience of watching real players in real time through a 25-inch screen.

It is difficult to find another American sports league to supply similar adrenaline-packed goal celebrations. Although MLB presents an appealing alternative as it shares some similarities with the NHL (players from both leagues have obligations to wear helmets, swing wood, brawl, and drive around in souped-up sports cars) there remains the one sober guy at the bar who will turn around and stare when you throw your arms to the ceiling and yell "Goal!" after a Jason Giambi homerun. Clearly, MLB is a useless substitute.

Of course, the NBA keeps track of "field goals," but hockey fans beware. These goals are scored over 70 times per game, because many common defensive practices of hockey, such as goaltending and hip checking, are frowned upon. By the end of one game, even the most diehard fan will begin to recognize that, although the net is smaller, the "goals" in basketball are not as exciting as hockey.

Sure, the American Hockey League is an intriguing option since many of the young stars who would be playing in the NHL are developing their skills in the minors. However, few AHL games have been telecasted in southern Connecticut.

As opportunities to yell "Goal!" draw thin this spring, there remains one oft-forgotten league that will be able to satisfy an SHU hockey fan's thirst for goals: Major League Soccer.

In fact, soccer is virtually hockey without the ice. Granted, the field and goals are larger and are not enclosed by boards. Still, the players primarily use feet to control a ball instead of sticks to handle a puck. Beyond this, there is little difference. Hockey encourages more collisions, but low angle camera views of MLS exhibit the substantial physical nature of the sport.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools