One of the most celebrated sports in North America, ice hockey has entertained countless people throughout the world. The sport is played all around the globe but is highly popular in the northern parts of the US, Canada and Europe. The sport is internationally monitored by the International Ice Hockey Federation that comprises over seventy teams. The most successful international teams include the US, Sweden, Slovakia, Russia, Finland, Czech Republic and Canada. There are over hundred amateur and professional ice hockey leagues operating worldwide. Every year, thousands of ice hockey games are played. The fans can catch their favorite players live in action by getting Sports Hockey tickets.
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The sport originated during the early nineteenth century. The first organized match of ice hockey was held in Canada in 1875. Since then, the sport has evolved over the years and continues to spread globally. The National Hockey League is North America's top most professional league that comprises thirty hockey clubs. The league has twenty three teams from the US where as seven clubs are from Canada. The champions of the league are awarded one of the most popular and historic trophies, the 'Stanley Cup'. The current reigning champions are the California based, Los Angeles Kings. The Kings play in the Western Conference, competing under the Pacific Division. They managed to defeat the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2012 season to win their first 'Championship Title' since their inception in 1967.
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One of the most successful ice hockey clubs playing in the NHL are the Montreal Canadiens. Established in 1909 as a part of the National Hockey Association, the team is the oldest member of the North American professional league. The club has won twenty four 'Stanley Cups', the highest wins in the NHL. They have also bagged twenty two 'Division Titles' and eight 'Conference Championships'. The team plays in the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference. Their traditional colors are blue, white and red.
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Other popular minor professional leagues in North America include the Federal Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League, Central Hockey League and the American Hockey League. The AHL also comprises thirty clubs from Canada and the US. Hershey Bears are the league's most successful club with eleven 'Championship Titles', twenty two 'Conference Titles' and fifteen 'Division' wins. The team plays under the East Division of the Easter Conference in AHL. On the other hand, Norfolk Admirals are the reigning champions of the AHL, winning their first 'Cadler Cup' in 2012, after beating the Toronto Marlies. During the 2012 season, the Admirals also managed to set the longest winning streak record in professional hockey with twenty eight successive victories.
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This season, hundreds of highly competitive sports hockey teams will once again indulge in thrilling matches. Professional as well as minor clubs such as Worcester Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Idaho Steelheads will all be storming the ice hockey courts to compete against their fierce rivals. The fans can quickly get Sports Hockey tickets to witness riveting ice hockey matches with friends and family.