Which "non-traditional" hockey market do you believe has really warmed to the game?

Question

Basically, since many people on here tend to live in areas other than the Northeast of the country (where I'm from, GO Flyers), I wanted to see who believes their "non-traditional"(either small market, warm weather or both) have truly embraced the great game and which embarrasses it.

For me I look at either San Jose and Dallas as two places where the game shouldn't survive but really has some great attendance and viewership, as well as excellent teams.

On a side note, I really look to Chicago as a disappointment, in a city made for hockey the fans haven't been treated to much consistent success over the years and many care far too much about baseball (c'mon)

Answer 1

So Cal or California in general, it's amazing to me that the Kings have survived as long as they have, and then to have the Sharks and most namely the Ducks sell out most of their games and the Ducks win a cup is pretty amazing for an area of the country that has only seen snow at Disneyland.

Answer 2

Atlanta

There are alot of displaced New Yorkers and people from other traditional hockey markets in Atlanta that have embraced the game

Answer 3

Both Florida teams are truly loved by their fans. I have been to games in both places. I have not been to games in others places so I can not say for certain. I will only say what I have seen

Answer 4

Of the NHL's 'southern experiment', you'd have to say that Dallas and San Jose are the two big success stories.  By that, strong attendance, good tv ratings, and the clubs have done a good job building the game at the grassroots level (seeing stories about the growth of youth hockey in both areas).

Chicago is a sleeping giant that is about to awaken; all that young talent they have is starting to mature; that team could be scary in 1-2 years.  I read something that they're gonna have all games on tv next year, and the club seems to be trying to win back fan support.  But previously they had an owner who refused to put home games on television, and the club seemed to treat fans poorly.

Answer 5

MIAMI Latinos aren't into hockey

Answer 6

Probably Tampa. Many hockey fans in Tampa come from hockey areas.

Answer 7

Sharks--fans come from many parts of the Bay Area to attend games, and most regular-season games are sold out.

Answer 8

I gotta say Dallas the state of Texas has more pro teams than any state or province. Take that Ontario! jk

ps Not being a homer .. only been here since August 2007 .. merely stating a fact

Answer 9

Tampa Bay definately, and any texas or california team

                         GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

Answer 10

I think So-Cal has done pretty well since they have a champion, the Ducks, a really good scoring team in the Sharks but I don't know what to say about the Kings. Sure they fill up the arena but they still haven't made the playoffs for a very long time now.

Overall, the So-Cal teams have done pretty well and has developed into a semi-hockey market.

Answer 11

Carolina and Tampa Bay, mostly due to their Cup wins, and, as you said, San Jose in the west. I think Phoenix is the next one to emerge. They finally have something going from here on in.

Answer 12

I'd say Dallas, they feel more like a traditional market now.