pa⋅tri⋅ot⋅ism

pa-tri-ot-ism
[pey-tree-uh-tiz-uhm or, especially Brit., pa-]
–noun
devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.

Canadians who attend NHL games (and some watching at home) unabashedly display patriotism. It comes with the warbling of the national anthem -- anticipating the ceremonial dropping of the puck to start a game. The same can't be said about other sports games -- and can't be found with such predictability outside of armed forces ceremonies.

I therefore invite the following for consideration: Every Canadian should attend one NHL game every year -- and a hockey game a month, for at least one year, should be a prerequisite for citizenship.

It's probably OK to cheer for American teams too ... since wherever hockey is played, Canada is present.