As an ex-field hockey player (both as winger and goalkeeper), I don't have any difficulty appreciating both games for their skills. Having been hit in the (unhelmeted) face twice from unstopped short corners I think field hockey is on balance more dangerous (or was then, when we were men!). I grew up watching the unbeatable Pakistani internationals and their skills were amazing. They are both great games to watch, though ice hockey, like American football,l is sillier and more closely related to science fiction.