New report: The Impact of Ice Hockey on Happiness and Wellbeing
At the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness (CWWH) at the Stockholm School of Economics, we are proud to share the first report from the Ice Hockey Project, a long-term collaboration with the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). The project investigates how being a hockey supporter influences happiness, wellbeing, and life satisfaction.
The Impact Panel 2025 gathered experiences from over 1,500 active supporters of all 14 SHL teams. The results show that following your team – particularly live at the arena – has significant positive effects on happiness, meaning, and a sense of community. Importantly, these effects are not only tied to wins and losses, but also to the shared experience of fandom itself.
The findings demonstrate that ice hockey provides more than sports value. Supporters report higher life satisfaction, excitement, and a more positive outlook on the future when engaged with their team and fellow fans. Above all, the study highlights the importance of physical presence at the arenas for wellbeing.
This report is the first step in a unique research journey. In coming seasons, CWWH and SHL will continue to develop the Impact Panel, deepening our understanding of how sport shapes happiness and community across Sweden.
