Yeah ice hockey is fantastic as a spectator sport. Rules are relatively straight forward and it's action all the way through. I got into it 5 or so years ago after a trip to Canada and saw the Leafs while in Toronto. Went to see the Kings when in LA a few years ago too, which was also great.
However, I saw the Clippers play Golden State at Staples Center on my first visit to the States in 2012 and fell asleep in the 3rd quarter. Impressive skills no doubt, but I found basketball pretty boring.