Just Christians, Jews and Muslins flock to their Churches, Synagogues and Mosques on their respective Sabbath days we see Canadians flood to places of hockey as if they were places of religion. Frozen over ponds, back yard rinks, small town hockey arenas, large professional stadiums and even living rooms on Saturday night become area of worship for hockey players and fans alike. In his novel The Death of Hockey, Bruce Kidd states that "more Canadians watch hockey -- in the streets, at the rinks and on the television-- than engage in any other single public activity", including church. (Kidd, 8). Before there were hockey arenas, loyal fans braved the cold, snow and wind to watch our beloved game on outdoor rinks. Even today, Kidd describes Canada as " a country of 250, 000 kids getting up at seven o'clock in the morning for a game in a dingy concrete block arena (Kidd, 5).  Hockey is a Canadian identity that unites us all, regardless of our background or beliefs. Similar to a religion, hockey, "as a unique expression of our culture, is also a vessel for its values, passing them... from one generation to to the next" (Kidd, 5). Our arenas and ponds are the places which we express our beliefs, passion and identity. Whether on the ice or in the stands these hallow frozen grounds offer a sanctuary for the followers of hockey.