Hockey fans are passionate, unpredictable, and sometimes downright hilarious. But even the most diehard supporters can get under each other’s skin. Let’s laugh at ourselves as we run through some classic pet peeves that pop up in the world of hockey fandom, especially in Habs Nation.
1. The “We” Complex
Unless you’re lacing up the skates, maybe stick to they. Sure, your fandom is off the charts, but you’re not taking faceoffs or killing penalties. Save the “we” for your beer league team.
2. Debate or Die
Can we agree to disagree without throwing verbal cross-checks? Opinions differ—get over it. Hockey talk is supposed to be fun, not a blood sport.
3. Copy-Paste Takes
It’s great to see smart takes online… until you notice someone else posted the exact same thing two hours ago. If you’re going to borrow ideas, at least remix them into something original. That goes for bloggers too!
4. Management Meltdowns
Bad line change? Fire the coach. Minor trade? GM’s a fool. Newsflash: no team is perfect, and management doesn’t wake up thinking, How can I ruin the Habs today?
5. Cup or Bust Syndrome
Win one game? “We’re winning the Cup!” Lose one game? “Blow it all up!” Hockey isn’t life or death—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Mostly, it’s not life, it’s entertainment.
6. Advocate Overload
Thanks for tweeting as though you’re on the payroll. Advocacy posts don’t hand out assists or block shots. Passion is great, but let’s keep it in perspective.
7. Rogue Trolling
Playoff rivalries? Bring on the chirps. But trolling random fanbases in January? It’s cringy and exhausting. Save your energy for when it counts.
8. The Untouchable Myth
Let’s face it—anyone can be traded. Gretzky was. Stop acting like a mid-tier prospect is the second coming of Jean Béliveau.
9. Player Criticism ≠ Personal Attack
Calling out a player’s turnover isn’t a direct attack on your loyalty or self-worth… or to yours! Let people critique without turning it into a personal affront.
10. Agenda Acrobatics
Not every game needs to fit your “I was right all along” narrative. Sometimes, a bad game is just a bad game—no need to spin it into a grand conspiracy.
11. Trade Machine Addicts
We love the trade buzz, but not every player on the block is a “must-get” or “must get traded”. Stop treating the team like your personal fantasy roster.
12. Stat Wars
Yes, Corsi and Fenwick have their place. No, they don’t tell the whole story. Let’s accept that analytics and the eye test can coexist without starting a civil war.
13. Game-by-Game Hot Takes
It’s an 82-game season, folks. A three-game skid isn’t the end of the world, and one win against Chicago doesn’t mean we’re parading down Sainte-Catherine Street.
14. Overhyping Prospects
“Next Gretzky” after one good game in Laval? Pump the brakes. Let them get some NHL minutes before we start designing their Hall of Fame plaque.
15. Bandwagon Guilt Trips
“Oh, now you’re a fan?” Yes, that’s how it works. People hop on when things get exciting. Be happy for the growing fanbase instead of gatekeeping.
16. Jersey Police
“Why would anyone wear a jersey with their own name?” Because it’s fun and it’s their money. Not everyone needs to follow the unwritten code of jersey etiquette.
17. Narrative Recycling
“Carey Price can’t win the big one.” Cool, we’ve been hearing that for a decade. Maybe find a fresh storyline before repeating the same old clichés.
18. Social Media Soapboxes
Being loud on Twitter doesn’t make your take more insightful. It just makes people mute you faster. Volume doesn’t equal value.
19. The “All-Star Snub” Crusade
Every fan thinks their player deserves an All-Star or 4-Nations nod. Sure, Suzuki and Caufield didn’t make it this year, but let’s not act like it’s the crime of the century.
20. The Plus-Minus Reflex
Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson leads all rookies in scoring… but he’s minus-10. Therefore, he’s horrible defensively. Newsbreak: it takes all players on the ice to get a plus or a minus!
There you have it—some of the quirks that make hockey fandom a mix of passion and pure chaos. Did I miss your favourite pet peeve? Let me know… unless it’s a complaint about this blog. Then I’ll just pretend I didn’t see it.
