Why do Canadians play ice hockey?

This might be a somewhat simplified answer as I am not a sociologist or anthropologist. But hockey was invented/developed in Canada. Over the years hockey has become more than a sport. Indeed, it has become a vital part of the very fabric of our Canadian culture. There are few Canadians , male or female, who haven't played the game at some time in their lives, even if it has only been skating around with a puck and stick on a local pond or rink.