Pay-For-Play In Hockey

The game of hockey as it is experienced today is due to many influences throughout several decades of play. Early versions of the sport have been recorded in the mid-19th century. One of the most important factors in shaping the game was the introduction and acceptance of professionalism. Today the most recognizable leagues and teams play at the professional level, such as in the National Hockey League and many high level players boast large salaries. However, in the early formation of the sport, pay-for-play was frowned upon by many. Other sports at this time had accepted professionalism; such as baseball, so why not hockey? Many believed that it would take away from the idea of it being a gentlemanly game which was a foundation for the sports beginnings. In opposition of this view many believed it was unfair that players were not paid as games were attracting more and more spectators and individuals such as rink owners were making money off them. Businessmen had realized the potential of profiting from the growing popularity of hockey. Also, many top players were being paid under the table anyways. As mentioned in Hockey Night in Canada the first openly professional league, the International Hockey League (IHL), was formed in 1904 in Michigan. Many Canadian players left their amateur teams and went to …show more content…
To prove or disprove this, many questions must be considered. The first step is to establish the definitions and differences between amateurism and professionalism. Other factors that helped shape the popularity of the sport must also be considered. Important factors that led up to acceptance of professionalism include professionalism in other sports, transportation development in North America, commercialism and the introduction of leisure time, and the International Hockey League in