During the Montreal's Winter Carnivals of the 1880s, hockey became?

During Montreal's Winter Carnivals of the 1880s, hockey became institutionalized as it transformed from a casual recreation into a structured sport with established rules and organized competitions. This period marked a significant development in the evolution of hockey, particularly as it began to gain popularity among the public and attract formal attention from clubs and organizations. Institutionalization involved the creation of standardized rules, the formation of hockey clubs, and the organization of tournaments, which helped to lay the foundation for hockey as a competitive sport. The carnival setting provided a festive platform that encouraged participation and viewership, contributing to its establishment as a significant cultural and sporting event in Canada.

The other options do not accurately reflect this transformation; for example, while hockey had informal origins, it was during this period that those informal aspects began to change. Similarly, while sports, including hockey, can have political aspects, this was not a defining characteristic of hockey's development during the carnivals. Finally, describing hockey as exclusive misrepresents its growing appeal and wider participation during this time.