Why the National Hockey League (NHL) should consider expanding in Canada
There is no doubt that Canadians live and breathe hockey, not only because it is their national sport, but because the weather up North is perfect to play hockey any time and seeing Canada in general, there are ice hockey rinks everywhere where people from
all age groups continuously play and follow the sport actively.
Just like baseball and football are to the Americans, ice hockey night in Canada is always a fun and entertaining event. The Stanley Cup finals are celebrated wildly with passion and loyalty.
For someone who was part of the scene when Calgary Flames reached the Stanley Cup Finals against Tampa Bay Lightning, it is not hard to notice that Canadians go crazy during this time of year, especially when a home team does deep in the playoffs.
Canadians also take the game so seriously, which we witnessed after Vancouver Canucks lost game-seven to Boston Bruins during the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Finals. The entire city wrecked havoc on the street after being shocked to see
their team lose in such a manner.
Seeing the widespread success of the newly relocated and revived Winnipeg Jets in the province of Manitoba, expanding the NHL to other major cities throughout Canada would certainly bring huge business to not only these cities but the clubs as well.
Only those fans which do not have a home team know how painful it is to watch other cities enjoy and root for their players, something which could be abolished with the expansion.
For example, Quebec City in the province of Quebec had their team, Nordiques, taken away from them after financial strains and problems but at the moment, if a proper team is to be introduced, a huge revival like Winnipeg Jets just might take place.
Some teams in America are seriously suffering and are afflicted by financial concerns like Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and New York Islanders. Trying to shift any one of these teams to the hockey hungry market in Canada could prove to be very successful.
Without trying, the NHL will never be able to find out whether it will work or not and seeing the Canadian passion for the sport, it is hard to see it failing now.
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