​The national winter sport of Canada and the most popular sport among all Canadians, Ice Hockey can be dated back to the 19th century when various stick and ball games, both from the United Kingdom and from the indigenous communities of Canada, influenced a new game into existence. It is as popular in Canada, both as a game and as a pastime, among people of all ages, as sports such as cricket and football are elsewhere in the world. Over time it has become quite popular internationally too and is even an Olympic sport.