A brand new report suggests NHL gamers are more and more turning to video video games and weed edibles throughout their downtime, versus boozing like gamers of previous generations took half in commonly.
Twenty-two-year-old Maple Leafs ahead Matthew Knies advised The Athletic that as a result of expertise has superior a lot, it’s totally straightforward to “reside a digital life as a substitute of an actual one.” Buffalo Sabres ahead Peyton Krebs, 23, mentioned, “We’ll all exit for dinner, however then guys will typically return to their rooms to play video video games.”
One nameless defenseman advised the positioning that taking part in video video games with teammates can assist with camaraderie. “You simply should be extra open,” this individual mentioned. “I am going to attempt to drag guys out of their consolation zone, after which I am going to play video video games with them.”
Past video video games, NHL gamers look like more and more turning to weed edibles over booze throughout downtime. The Athletic spoke with greater than three-dozen present NHL gamers and requested in the event that they took an edible throughout the season, and 38% “indicated” they did. Hockey gamers are recognized to be huge boozers, however this development could also be on the decline. Floridan Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt advised the positioning he was advised when he entered the NHL a decade in the past, “If you cannot play hungover on this league, you do not belong in it.”
That angle could also be altering, particularly with youthful gamers. Schmidt mentioned it is unacceptable for gamers to indicate as much as follow at something lower than 100%. Alcohol-fueled partying throughout the season is on the decline, it appears, as gamers look to mellow out as a substitute and take higher care of their our bodies.
A veteran NHL ahead who requested to stay nameless mentioned he is unhappy in regards to the lack of boozing as a method of team-bonding. “After I got here into the league, we had been going out for beers the evening earlier than video games,” he mentioned. “I feel (the NHL) was extra enjoyable again within the day.”
Hashish just isn’t banned for NHL gamers, and it’s authorized in lots of cities throughout North America the place NHL groups play.
As for EA’s NHL online game collection, the most recent sport, NHL 25, was only in the near past up to date with a brand new 4 Nations Face-Off replace themed across the real-world event.