Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunderball
The question then is why? Why is hockey not popular? Is it a lack of flashy lights and shiny things? Doubtful, seeing as Baseball and Golf (most more popular) are very bare bones comparatively. Is it the abundance of Canadian franchises? again, doubtful.
The problem is that hockey is a regional niche sport. Like soccer is there (and here). However, Soccer at its top level gets huge ratings in both Canada and the US... Maybe hockey needs a grand spectacle? I dunno... but its not like Americans don't like hockey. Its Americans outside of the popular niches. A successful NY franchise would help too.
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I agree a successful NY or LA franchise would turn hockey into a popular sport for about the length of time those teams are good.
The reason hockey isn't as popular is because sport has to do with heritage. Canadians grow up with hockey and its engrained in our culture, its something we take pride in being very good at. It's a part of our nationality, but it isn't with Americans. Americans grow up watching baseball and football and that's why those sports are important to them, remember the "good ol American pasttime"?
Soccer is popular because Americans have tons of immigrants from European backgrounds. Since soccer is basically the world's most popular sport, especially for Europeans it comes as no surprise to me that the States is able to get high ratings. Plus, climate for soccer isn't exactly an issue whereas in hockey it is. These reasons all contribute to the idea that hockey will remain stationary in its popularity.