Snowboarding vs. Ice Hockey: Which Sport Is More Adequate for Children

Winter sports have always been a great way for children to stay active and have fun in the cold months. And these days, it doesn't even depend too much on your location. 

Admittedly, if you're located in

-Lagos,

-Nigeria,

We doubt you'll be stumbling across an ice rink any time soon.

But in countries such as Australia, ice hockey has become more popular than ever before. 

Teams such as the CBR Brave, Sydney Bears, and the reigning champion Melbourne Mustangs have all catapulted the Australian Ice Hockey League to unparalleled levels of popularity considering the nation's preference for ball sports such as rugby, soccer, and Aussie rules football.

Naturally, though, the Land Down Under still has some way to go before its ice hockey league catches up to North America's finest. The NHL has been a cornerstone of the American sporting landscape for over a century now, and despite viewership figures falling away somewhat in recent times, it still remains one of the pillars of Western Hemisphere sports. And following the recently concluded playoff campaign, it wouldn't be a surprise to see popularity pick up once more ahead of the upcoming season.

Last term, the Florida Panthers were the talk of the ice hockey world after stunning everyone en route to the Stanley Cup playoffs for just the second time in franchise history and the first time in 27 years. They finished the regular season with a modest 42-40 record, earning the spot in the postseason as a wildcard and the lowest-ranked team in the playoff lottery. Despite that however, they managed to knock off the top-seed and favorite Boston Bruins, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the reigning champion Colorado Avalanche.

That set up a meeting with the Vegas Golden Knights, a team that finished as runners-up to the Washington Capitals back in 2018 and a team that NHL odds providers had earmarked as heavy favorites. Ultimately, the Nevada-based outfit would have too much for the underdogs to handle, running out convincing 4-1 series winners and lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time in the franchise's short history. But while ice hockey is wildly popular in North America, it isn't the only sport where American athletes thrive.

Snowboarding has been a staple at the Winter Olympics for a number of years now, and California's Shaun White has been a pioneer in the sport's success. The 37-year-old is one of the most successful American Olympians of all time, racking up three gold medals throughout his storied career, the most of any snowboarder to have ever graced the ice. So, with that being said, which sport would you want your child to participate in in order to challenge them?

Snowboarding

Snowboarding has made significant strides in recent years, emerging from the shadow of skiing to become a bonafide legitimate sport in its own right. It's a thrilling outdoor activity that provides both fun and exercise in spades, particularly on the twisty-turny slopes of mountain ranges as well as specially crafted half pipes. Not only does the thrill ride enhance balance and coordination, but it also nurtures perseverance and mental toughness as kids conquer their fears and challenges posed to them along the way.

However, it's important to acknowledge that snowboarding is considered an extreme sport and as such, safety precautions are mandatory and are crucial in preventing serious injuries. Children - and seasoned pros for that matter - should always wear protective gear like helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads.

Ice Hockey

If snowboarding is an extreme sport, then ice hockey may very well take it to the next level. The ice rink-based game isn't for the faint of heart, and anyone who has ever caught a glimpse of the NHL will tell you that fights, roughing, and bodychecks are commonplace on the rink. All is fair in love and war, as they say.

The sport loved by the Canadians is as fast-paced as they come, and it requires a high level of physical fitness and mental toughness, perfect for developing character. It's an excellent opportunity for children to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. And if that's not enough, they may well make a pretty penny, with a career in the sport being a viable path providing much more lucrative options than many other sports.

The NHL pays stacks of cash to its star players, with the reigning five-time Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers bagging a cool $12.5m per year for his troubles. Not bad, ey? And even if you don’t reach the heights of the Canadian sensation, little leagues and smaller European leagues still pay plenty of cash to their star assets, much more than even Olympic level snowboarders can ever dream of making. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.