d3500ram
colorado
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Joined: 07/31/2006
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I am biased as I have played the sport since I was a kid and still play in a recreational "beer league." But think about it. In terms of overall athletic skill and ability... the hockey player is perhaps the best skilled player in all of organized sports.
The first round of the play-offs have started. Other than the SC finals this is some of the best action in my opinion of teams vying for the next round. Perhaps the next sport of overall ability is perhaps basketball (and college action at that!) I am not a hoops fan but the one thing that does not make this sport the best "overall" athlete in terms of versatility is that of size. Shorter players while amazing in their own right do not have it over the "trees" of the game.
Almost any size player in hockey can play any position (save the goalie... no pun intended) but B'ball has a significant "tallness" factor that perhaps give some in that sport an advantage over others.
Baseball eliminates the "overall" ability: pitchers are not known foe their hitting ability. Some catchers are not known for their speed. Outfielders are perhaps the best "overall" athletes within baseball itself.
Football: huge "dunlop" linemen do not have the finesse of a QB or speed of a receiver. A coach cannot insert a player in any position whereas in hockey a coach could do just that. ...and icemen do not complain when they get hit (unless it is Sidney Crosby.)
In terms of play anywhere, do any position, the masters of the ice are perhaps the best athlete overall. I am looking forward to the playoffs... and in a way wish that the first round action would never end.
...oh, and the finesse and ability of the goalies!!! well, lets just say that they could perhaps rival some of the best gymnast!
What say you?
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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Went to a fight one night and a hockey game broke out.......what's up with that?
Anybody that can skate gets a tip of the hat from me.........just can't watch a hockey game due to the 'stupid' fighting that constantly goes on and is allowed.
Great game if it actual is played.......
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Actually, I read many years ago that for best physical condition and "all around" strength, a male ballet dancer was tops!
Hard to believe, but think about what he is expected to do!
and he does it quite well!
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dalenoel
S.E. Michigan
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Where would soccer players fit into this?
No one minute shifts.
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ggeeza
Gilbertsville, Pa
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Hockey players are definitely tops. Second I would say Bicycle Racing, especially long races like the Tour de France.
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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There was a study many years ago that said professional soccer players were the most fit of any athletes. Which makes sense since at that time soccer allowed no substitutes, you played from beginning to end, no time outs, and constant running back and forth. Boring, but fit.
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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A long time ago - there was a TV program that had different athletes competing against one another in obstacle courses and various physical skills tests. I wish I could remember the name of it - but one of the best athletes was a PRCA Bull Rider (strong/fast/incredible balance)
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cpd520
Arizona
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At the pro level every sport has incredible athletes. They are the gene pool lottery winners. Most people could not do what they do no matter how hard they worked or how long they practiced.
Some sports have more specialized positions (football, baseball) some sports are less specialized (hockey, soccer). All are exceptional.
At field level you realize that 300 lb "huge 'dunlop' linemen" is incredible quick and agile for his size.
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Orion
Pacific South West
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I think it would have to be Rugby players. They have to have the same kind of stamina that Soccer players have, with the constant movement and very little substitution. I think it's still a maximum of three substitutes per game.
Football has to be the worst, due to the large degree of specialisation. Some guys only have to be able to kick, some throw, most just block & hardly move at all!
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Engineer9860
Eagle Scout dad
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You cannot compare one sport to another. There is too much specialization in the competitive levels of today's sports, and I would argue that from high school up to the pros.
As far as best all around athlete, I'd like to see your hockey player hit a 97mph fast ball.
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