Cheapshot comparos to the Canucks here. Remember the Seattle riots of 2014 when they won the SB? That's because there were none...700k people estimated at the parade though.
The Flames run in 2004 shows what team success does to a city and region. Car flags on every 3rd car in this city in late May 2004 when there were none in late March 2004. Even Flames gear burning parties in Edmonton after the Flames lost on June 7th because there were so many fans up there the Flames converted for the two months. Flames flags flying in Washington at the Canadian Embassy. If the Flames had made it the next year as well to the Finals, can only imagine those that got on the wagon late in 2004, now had a full run to take part in in 2006.
If the Blue Jays made it to the WS, there would be a lot of baseball fans popping out of nowhere in this city, and Vancouver, and Winnipeg and all over Canada. I recall there being a party on Electric Ave back in 1993 after the back to back WS wins by Toronto. Its just the nature of sports success.
Don't have to justify my support for the team at all here, but it stems from the mid 80's after we got full cable, and KHQ (NBC) Spokane showed every Seahawks game, every week, and that continues...from Vancouver to Calgary (I think Sask and MAN gets the Vikings, T&P), you can see every Seahawk game on "regular" cable. That sort of accessibility helps draw new, casual fans in and builds that regional support in teams, which is what the NFL wants.
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