Hockey is toughest team sport IMO, you need to be really in amazing shape in training camp, otherwise it shows right away. I know some people who played it in Junior League and i know how demanding it is, imagine in pro-level. Is also growing sport, i never thought Hockey would have some real fans in some stats like California but it does by my surprise. We had evolution in every sport but Hockey is probably most improved one compare to 20 years a go. The game is so fast, kids at 20 rock and dominate the league. That is why i have all world's respect for a guy like Jagr who at age of 45 still producing and is second best all time League pointer.
I was not much into Basketball and Football(American), so i can't comment about that.