🏒 The Origins of the Hockey Puck: From Shakespeare to the Ice

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Ever wondered where the name “puck” comes from?

The most popular origin traces back to Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In it, Puck is a mischievous elf known for causing chaos and stirring trouble — much like a hockey puck, which can zip unpredictably across the ice in all directions. :snowflake::sparkles:

Some historical accounts suggest alternative origins:

  • From the Scottish Gaelic “puc” or Irish “poc”, both meaning “to strike”, describing the action of hitting a small, round object with a stick. :field_hockey:
  • From the Old French “pok”, meaning “bagatelle” or “a small, insignificant thing.”

Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, hockey remains an exciting and thrilling sport to watch — and now you know a little more about the quirky origins of its iconic puck.

As Shakespeare said, “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” :man_fairy:

History never dies! :scroll: