PHOTO: Miss Canada becomes the embodiment of hockey at Miss Universe pageant

Hockey is central to the Canadian national identity. The particular and occasionally terrifying shape that centrality can take, though - that still has the capacity to shock.

Like this week when Miss Universe pageant contestant Chanel Beckenlehner - representing her country as Miss Universe Canada - chose a preposterously hockey-themed costume that's making waves on-line:

(Courtesy: Miss Universe Canada's Facebook page)

Are those sticks a tribute to Canada, or a tribute to arachnids? 

Also worth noting the non-skate, skate-themed boots:

(Courtesy: MissUniverseCanada.ca)

Here are the specs for the extravagant dress:

Breathtaking, truly.