Quote:
Originally Posted by Beatle17
No this doesn't. Teams like Anaheim, Dallas, Colorado etc., that create minor hockey programs (or high school programs) grow the game. Since Anaheim started their programs and support the sport has grown 3-4 times what it was a few years ago. I just came back from Southern California and they had no hockey coverage on the Olympic channels - none. The new fans are coming from the grass roots programs.
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I never said that the Olympics was the only way to grow the game in the US. Obviously the grassroots programs do help.
I lived in California for 4 years, and I was there during the Vancouver Olympics. I have a number of American friends and colleagues who have followed the NHL more closely since those Olympics.