Seven Wonders of the Hockey World

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 9, 2007 3:42 PM EDT

Here's something silly to keep you occupied during this week. As detailed below, there are a new "Seven Wonders of the World", as voted upon in a worldwide internet survey (is there any better way to decide an issue? Of course not, wrote the intrepid blogger).

So here's your challenge - what would be considered the Seven Wonders of the Hockey World? If you had a shortlist of hockey-related trips you could make, which would make the cut? My suggestions are included a little further down, and include either places or specific events. Sound off in the comments, and next week I'll summarize the results.

Update: Greg Wyshynski over at the Fanhouse has chimed in with some hilarious suggestions, including Lanny McDonald's mustache and Don Cherry's closet...

Some items for consideration (some of them obvious, some of them my personal additions):

The Hockey Hall of Fame: duh.

The Stanley Cup Finals: double-duh.

The World Ice Hockey Championships: Held in Europe each spring, they're largely ignored by North American fans focusing on the NHL playoffs.

Madison Square Garden: The "World's Most Famous Arena" has been the stage for some fierce battles over the years, some of which have even taken place on the ice.

Joe Louis Arena: It's not quite 30 years old, but it feels like it belongs to another time in this age of spacious concourses and luxury boxes.

The Minnesota high school hockey tournament: 100,000+ fans each spring can't be wrong.

The Victoria Skating Rink: Sure, it's a parking garage now, but back in 1875 it hosted the first known indoor ice hockey game.

The National Hockey League offices: Because who wouldn't love the opportunity to moon Gary Bettman as he left the building one day?

Yost Ice Arena: Home to the University of Michigan Wolverines (and where I began my adult rec-hockey career almost 20 years ago), it's a cozy little barn that provides by far the most entertaining action on a campus better known for top football programs.

That's enough to get you started, so fire away with your suggestions, from the big-time NHL stadia down to the hallowed rinks of local legend. Besides, it's 92-friggin' degrees down here (that's 33 for you hosers), and I could use something to rekindle memories of ice-cold winters...

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The Stanley Cup.

by Peter on Jul 9, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

Gary Bettman definitely would not be one of them!

http://www.FireBettman.com

by Anonymous on Jul 9, 2007 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

Lynah Rink, on Cornell's campus...cozier than Yost, just as loud, and home to some of the more creative cheers in college hockey. Supposedly a few of the Michigan cheers were lifted from visiting Cornell fans back in the '90s.

by Anonymous on Jul 9, 2007 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

A buddy of mine from U-M went to Cornell for graduate work, and echoed your thoughts on the atmosphere there. Great point...

by The Forechecker on Jul 9, 2007 10:05 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah I would shorten Stanley Cup Finals, to Stanley Cup. Let's make wonders places, not events in my opinion.

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 10, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

Oh I got one... Youtube

And Melrose's Mullet

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 10, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

I would suggest as a hockey wonder.

by Dear Lord Stanley on Jul 10, 2007 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

I got to visit Maple Leaf Gardens in the early 90s when I was on a school trip to Toronto. I don't remember all the specifics, but I remember they had some of the trophies on display at the time. I've been meaning to go dig up those pictures from my mom's house.

by Pat on Jul 10, 2007 4:35 PM EDT reply actions