[FireGilbert]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

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.

Great point. I became a hard core Flames fan listening to 66CFR and watching games on 2&7. If the internet was around back then there is a good chance I would have ended up cheering for another team.