HOCKEY AND NATIONAL IDENTITY IN CANADA
By
BRENDAN L. SAUNDERS
Integrated Studies Final Project Essay (MAIS 700)
submitted to Dr. Nanci Langford in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Arts - Integrated Studies
Athabasca, Alberta
November 2014 Abstract
Hockey and National Identity in Canada
This interdisciplinary study examines how scholars, historians, writers and others present hockey as part of Canada’s national identity. The study considers how the growth and development of hockey parallels in many respects the political and economic growth of Canada in the years following Confederation. The paper presents examples of the representation of hockey in Canadian fictional and non-fictional literature, music and art with respect to Canada’s national identity. Sociological issues pertaining to hockey including the participation of women and minorities are also briefly examined. The research determined that the early history, development, acceptance and recognition of the sport have naturalized the sport of hockey as a characteristic of Canada’s national identity. The success of Canadian teams at international spectacles such as the 1972 Canada-Russia Super Series and the Winter Olympic Games helped to reinforce the concept of hockey as part of the national identity.