Hockey At Humo Arena

Yes, Tashkent, Uzbekistan has a professional sports team. As of this year. It's a bit fluid in terms of league, level or even country for the local hockey team. Last year, an Uzbekistan hockey league. This year, the Tashkent team has joined the Kazakhstan league. Hello neighbor.

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for your Humos! (Is that right, Humos?) The Humo is a mythical bird of Persian origin, said never to touch the ground. Except to slap a puck into a goal. It's also featured on Uzbekistan's national emblem.

The Humo hockey team plays at Humo Arena. Confusing. Surprising, no Humo Hot Dogs. Things they do have in the arena are a bunch of old Soviet cars on display and a big board for you to leave little love notes to your favorite players.

The complex also has a practice rink, available for casual skating during the game. Cool.

There's a trophy room, complete with giant key. To unlock a championship. More fan friendly stuff, a quiz session during one of the intermissions.

That ain't no legendary bird. Somehow, the Humo mascot is a semi-creepy old man, drifting like a zombie through the stands. Old Soviet folklore run amok.