Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryUnderscore
I think the under 30 group still cares just as much about sports, but the "local sports team" isn't as much of a thing anymore.
Someone might grow up in Calgary cheering for the Flames, but they will continue to do so even if they move to Toronto or Montreal or New York.
Millennials are much more transient than previous generations (which is neither a good or bad thing, just a thing), which means we take our hockey passion with us wherever we live.
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I think a big part of this is the Internet. When you grow up with the Internet you're less aware of regional loyalty to certain things.
I love the Flames, but it's probably only because my dad loved them so I grew up watching them. I have friends who are Boston, Montreal, Toronto, and (ugh how) Minnesota fans. They're all able to watch more games than I can and we all generally go to the same number of games per season (0-1, mostly because it's a silly amount of money, but so fun).
I love watching hockey though, even when the Flames aren't playing. With Gamecenter I turn it on, pick a game I think will be good, and watch. I have it on almost every night (mostly because I don't have cable and I don't always pay enough attention for narrative based stuff).
I think it's more common for younger people (especially the 15-25 crowd) to be huge hockey fans that cheer for the Flames, rather than huge Flames fans. The difference isn't huge, but it definitely exists. Whether you cheer for the Flames, or you're a huge Flames fan, you should always dismiss Oilers/Canucks/Jets fans immediately though.
My opinion at least, based on my experience.