Quote:
Originally Posted by codynw
I moved to Europe in March of 2023 and I haven't watched an NHL game since. Honestly don't really miss it. Still love hockey, watched the world juniors, been watching the odd PWHL game.. but for many reasons the NHL has made me not really care anymore. I think the homophobia is the biggest reason, but it's not the only one. The gambling ads, the #### refs, the Chicago sexual assault thing (followed by winning Bedard immediately after)... it's all garbage.
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This is some nice perspective.
If we were moved to some place where NHL happenings were never discussed, how long would we continue tuning in regularly?
Probably within a year we'd become hard casuals. We'd probably aclimate to the culture we live in and the sports and rivalries that are relevant there.
If I reflect honestly, NHL is the only professional level thing going on here in the winter months that connects people socially and is probably much of the reason why i follow, not so much because i actually like the NHL product. I do like the team and am proud to root for my home town but the league in which they play is pretty brutal and it seems like there is a rage-inducing decision (if you allow yourself to care) by the league every other game that leaves me questioning the integrity and consistency of how these games are regulated.
Not to mention the gambling culture, game management, superstar pedestalizing, sexual abuse cover ups, shady coaches allowed second chances, abolishment of special jerseys because of a couple bigots, etc.
It's a very tone deaf league that values the wrong things for this day and age and can't seem to get a universal grasp on its own rules. And what makes it worse is there's no transparency and little accountability.
It's an old boys club that lashes back at people who question its ways or challenge its decisions with valid points over Twitter like children.
Like the franchise and its storied history full of great people. The league however is a circus that hasn't earned any good will from fans.