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:
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(Courtesy: MissUniverseCanada.ca)
Here are the specs for the extravagant dress:
The Miss Universe Canada national costume will pay tribute to Ice Hockey! #MissUniverse #MissUniverse2014 #MissCa... pic.twitter.com/IM8hGC6Xxm
— Miss Universe 2014 (@MsUniverseCrown) January 5, 2015
Breathtaking, truly.