Why are there no NHL games on Christmas Eve or Day?
The NHL's decision to not schedule games on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is rooted in tradition and a desire to honor the holiday season. This practice started in 1972 when the league chose to discontinue games on Christmas Day, recognizing the importance of allowing players, staff, and fans to spend quality time with their families. The following year, the NHL extended this break to include Christmas Eve as well.
 |
The NHL has instead opted to schedule games around the holiday season, such as the days leading up to Christmas and afterward, including the popular "Winter Classic" on New Year's Day.
Reasons Behind the Break:
-
Family Time: The primary reason for this break is to ensure that everyone involved in the NHL, from players to staff, can spend time with their families. This aligns with the broader societal value placed on the holiday season as a time for family and togetherness.
-
Rest and Recuperation: The NHL season is grueling, with teams playing 82 regular-season games. This short break provides players with a much-needed rest period during a physically demanding season.
-
Historical Context: The tradition was solidified in the 1970s, a time when the NHL was expanding and becoming more commercially focused. The league's decision to honor these holiday breaks helped establish a positive public image, showing that they valued personal and family time.
-
The first Christmas Day game was played in 1920. The Toronto St. Patricks defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. This experiment actually turned into quite a thriller. The Canadiens went up 3-1 in the second period, and then the Lea- St. Patricks scored 4 unanswered. The Habs netted one more, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their green foes.
Impact and Stories:
-
Player Testimonials: Many players have expressed their appreciation for this break. For instance, Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, once mentioned in an interview how he cherished the Christmas break to spend time with his family, recharge, and come back stronger for the latter part of the season.
-
Fan Experience: Fans also benefit from this break. While some may miss the excitement of games during the holidays, many appreciate the league's recognition of the importance of family time. It also builds anticipation for the games that resume after the break, such as the popular New Year’s Day Winter Classic, which often features outdoor games and draws significant viewership.
Numbers and Statistics:
-
Viewership: Historically, sports leagues have seen lower viewership on Christmas Day compared to other times of the year. This aligns with the trend of people focusing more on family activities rather than watching sports on TV during this period.
-
Game Count: Over the years, if the NHL were to schedule games on these two days, they could potentially add around 20 games to the season schedule, assuming an average of 10 games per day. However, the league prioritizes the well-being of its community over potential revenue from these additional games.
The NHL’s decision to take a break on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is a tradition rooted in values of family, rest, and community. By providing this time off, the league honors the personal lives of its players and staff while also respecting its fans. This practice has been widely appreciated and has become a hallmark of the NHL season, underscoring the importance of balance between work and personal life even in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
No Christmas games were schedule for 1972, and a moratorium was eventually placed, preventing any games at all from being played on this day. This was probably due to pressure from players and staff.
| This ended what was a 50 year NHL tradition. Now, we approach the 50-year mark of the ending of that tradition. Thus, the NBA and occasionally the NFL are the only leagues to celebrate Christmas in sport. |
