Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Growing up in the 90s, it felt that the league was much more prolific than it is now. Although I did grow up in a fairly strong hockey market (philly), it seemed that it had much more play time on the tv (also it was the age of gretzky which helped).
Now, it seems most either laugh or look on in beffudlement when mentioning that it is the number 4 major sports league.
Is lack of popularity a forgon conclusion, or is there something the league do to help make it relevant again?
The National Hockey League drew record crowds, more television viewers and new sponsors this season by borrowing strategies from the National Football League. Now it needs TV networks to take notice and ante up.
Versus is available in only 65% of the homes. Getting a truly national TV contract is the first step. Shortening the regular season is another. Even just watching the games you hit the wall around February and lose interest before you pick it up again in late March for the playoff push. The Cup needs to be won before June.
Personally i think that the NHL is underrated. ESPN said that golf and tennis for Gods sake is higher. I don't think so. Hockey in my opinion is bigger than football.
Hockey woulda been going strong in the US had there not been a strike!!! Sorry ... lockout!!!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.