50% of Americans believe that the supernatural is involved in determining the outcome of sporting events. That includes Americans who pray for God to help their team (26%), think their team has been cursed (25%) or more generally believe God is involved in determining who wins on the field or on the ice (19%).

Overall, half of Americans fall into one of these groups, according to a recent Public Religion Research Institute poll. Many questions remain unanswered, and only God knows the answers. What roles, if any, will Italian-born and developed athletes like pitcher Samuel Aldegheri play in the outcome for the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A and goalie Damian Clara for the Anaheim Ducks just a puck’s throw away at the Honda Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025?