question for americans

[digitalmonkey 929]

Hockey is enormously popular in Canada because it is "in the blood." The majority of us grow up watching it with our parents or others who are also big fans. Many of us also play minor hockey at one point in our childhood. This is not the case in the majority of the USA. The opportunity to play hockey is just not there as much as it is in Canada. The climate in much of the USA does not lend itself to skating on ponds. It has a lot to do with tradition and liking what your parents like. The majority of children who go on to be sports fans later in life are exposed to the NFL or baseball as their first introduction to team sports. These sports have a longer and deeper rooted tradition in the states. Many children play football or baseball because their father did. Football and baseball are also less expensive to play than hockey. The climate in much of the United States is also more suited to baseball and football than hockey.The fact that Fox felt the need to introduce a glowing puck because many American viewers had difficulty following the puck speaks volumes. It is not that the average American is slow or dimwitted, it is because they have limited experience watching hockey. You need to watch hockey to get a feel for it and to learn how to watch it. Many Canadians have grown up watching hockey therefore we know how to watch a game; we are able to follow the play when the puck disappears. It is a subtlety of the game that comes with experience.It takes effort to watch something you don't fully understand or appreciate. Many are not willing or able to put forth that effort. I am a person that will watch almost anything if you call it a sport. I have watched cricket; I do not know the rules, but I have a general idea of what they are trying to do. I would like to know everything there is to know about cricket as it looks like an interesting game, however I have never made the effort to acquire that knowledge. Thus, I am not a fan of cricket.Then again, one may learn all about a sport and then unconsciously decide that they do not like the sport. I rarely watch a soccer game. I can appreciate the passion that many have for the game (minus the rioting and killing) but it is a sport I just find too slow. I dislike basketball. I don't know exactly why but it has never really appealed to me. I can watch a game but I am not a fan. Football is also a game that has never really appealed to me. I will watch depending on who's playing but I could really live without it. I find it annoying that they are actually "not playing" more than they "play". And the superbowl with it's halftime show, commercials, etc seems to have pushed the actual football to the back burner. I don't know; it just seems more about the show than the actual game.Anyway, what were we talking about?

[strategy 4]

Excuse me for being late to the party.I began following hockey when a bunch of my friends convinced me to join their fantasy hockey league. I was instantly hooked and somehow won the league. I've been a huge fan ever since then.To me, the biggest selling point for hockey seems to be a huge turnoff for the rest of the US. I love that you don't see NFL-quality celebration after every hit. I like that there are still quite a few players who work hard and don't spend all of their time creating controversy.In my admittedly uneducated opinion, I think people who follow sports in the US tend to want that extra level of drama.

[Varm 0]

digitalmonkey is correct, if you don't play hockey when you're a kid, you're less likely to enjoy it later on in life because the speed and level of play will not be appreciated. Also, hockey is part of Canada, like soccer is to most of the world. There are so many other choices for pro sports in the US, usually played (not very well) by most of the US population in their youth.

[ajs510 122]

digitalmonkey is correct, if you don't play hockey when you're a kid, you're less likely to enjoy it later on in life because the speed and level of play will not be appreciated. Also, hockey is part of Canada, like soccer is to most of the world. There are so many other choices for pro sports in the US, usually played (not very well) by most of the US population in their youth.

Without question, if your parents weren't hockey fans and/or you didn't play as a kid, it's unlikely that you'll grow into a hockey fan as an adult. I grew up playing floor hockey, only started playing ice hockey in my teens and for a very short period of time. I was constantly going to Amerks (Rochester Americans) games as a kid, at least 2 per season, so I had the hockey gene well developed by the time I was old enough to know what was going on. I was more of a football fan in my early-mid teens, but when the Sabres started to heat up in the early 90's I started paying attention to them. By the time the made their run to the Cup Final I was a full blown fanatic, which I remain to this day (see my sig). I've converted a lot of people who weren't into hockey into fans, so I truly think that it's just lack of exposure to how great the game is that keeps most people away. With only minimal TV coverage provided by an obscure Cable network and virtually no advertising, I fear this will continue. If the NHL was still on ESPN, and there was still such a thing as National Hockey Night, I think the game would be enjoying much more of a resurgence than it is.

[Fenxis 99]

If the NHL was still on ESPN, and there was still such a thing as National Hockey Night, I think the game would be enjoying much more of a resurgence than it is.

True, the tradition of Hockey Night in Canada on CBC becomes part of the mindshare of Canadians when they brainstorm what to do on a Saturday night. Just like plenty of Americans will hit the sports bars to watch MNF (on Mondays). It looks like hockey is trying to claim saturday nights as "game-night" just like Friday is NBA, Saturday afternoon is College Football/Euro Soccer, Sunday is NFL...

[ajs510 122]

True, the tradition of Hockey Night in Canada on CBC becomes part of the mindshare of Canadians when they brainstorm what to do on a Saturday night. Just like plenty of Americans will hit the sports bars to watch MNF (on Mondays). It looks like hockey is trying to claim saturday nights as "game-night" just like Friday is NBA, Saturday afternoon is College Football/Euro Soccer, Sunday is NFL...

Having a Hockey Night in the US would go a long way towards bringing in the fans. Put the best game of the week up in lights, get the best hockey announcers in the business to call the game, make it a huge deal, and see what happens. I think the NHL would like the results. Having the nationally broadcasted games played on NBC in the early afternoon just won't cut it, they need some hotly contested games in Primetime on a major network to really let people know that hockey is back to stay.

[WestcoastCanuck 0]

Another thing I forgot to mention is the American media, for the most part, treats hockey like it is some sort of joke.You can argue that three of the biggest sports markets in the US are NY, Chicaco and Boston. All three cities have suffered from either bad teams or terrible ownership for years. If these markets were strong, the NHL would be a lot stronger (IMO).

[Varm 0]

Another thing I forgot to mention is the American media, for the most part, treats hockey like it is some sort of joke.You can argue that three of the biggest sports markets in the US are NY, Chicaco and Boston. All three cities have suffered from either bad teams or terrible ownership for years. If these markets were strong, the NHL would be a lot stronger (IMO).

Maybe. However, in the early nineties when the Rangers were good, they were big in NY but on a national (USA) level, the NHL was still a blip on the radar screen. The US national TV ratings were still terrible and only did well in certain cities in North America.

[killer 0]

digitalmonkey is correct, if you don't play hockey when you're a kid, you're less likely to enjoy it later on in life because the speed and level of play will not be appreciated. Also, hockey is part of Canada, like soccer is to most of the world. There are so many other choices for pro sports in the US, usually played (not very well) by most of the US population in their youth.

***********************************I have to disagree just a little...I played neither hockey, nor football when I was any age and love them both...why wouldn't anyone else be the same??!

Without question, if your parents weren't hockey fans and/or you didn't play as a kid, it's unlikely that you'll grow into a hockey fan as an adult.

********************************I have to disagree just a little...I played neither hockey, nor football when I was any age and love them both...why wouldn't anyone else be the same??! (just cause I'm not sure how to quote 2 people at once!!...for those who would wonder why)Hey...it worked...cool!

[digitalmonkey 929]

***********************************I have to disagree just a little...I played neither hockey, nor football when I was any age and love them both...why wouldn't anyone else be the same??! ********************************I have to disagree just a little...I played neither hockey, nor football when I was any age and love them both...why wouldn't anyone else be the same??! (just cause I'm not sure how to quote 2 people at once!!...for those who would wonder why)Hey...it worked...cool!

I didn't say one wouldn't be a fan, I said it would be less likely. You are an exception.

[ajs510 122]

I didn't say one wouldn't be a fan, I said it would be less likely. You are an exception.

That's really all I said too, it's unlikely that you'll become a hockey fan without exposure to the game as a kid, not "you won't be a fan without it".

[killer 0]

That's really all I said too, it's unlikely that you'll become a hockey fan without exposure to the game as a kid, not "you won't be a fan without it".

************************************OK...granted...but WHY are there not more exceptions...I'm sure there are alot of Canadians who are exceptions so I guess I could answer my own question by saying it's exposure, hands down!!! (just like you guys said all along B) )Thx for the input guys...lock it up!!

[Drac 0]

I grew up in Indiana...little snow, no outdoor ice. I got into hockey during the 1980 Olympics. Lots of action, underdog story, etc. When ESPN carried the NHL in the mid/late 80's I loved to watch the games. I still remember staying up till well after midnight on a school night watching LaFontaine score that 4 or 5 OT goal in the playoffs...that was great!Now I'm in Minnesota and have my own kids. Hockey is a big deal here and it has a lot to do with the climate...we have at least 10 outdoor rinks within a 15 minute drive from our house vs. NONE when I was growing up. I'm trying to learn to skate so I can keep up with the rug rats.Canada has long winters and people need to do something to keep their sanity. This leads to things like hockey and curling being very popular. BTW, I really like curling too. Too bad I only get to see it once every four years.

[aadams_22 3]

I was just wondeering...for you Americans who like hockey, why do you think other people from the U.S. don't "get" hockey?? :? I don't think there is a person in my whole country that likes sports in general that doesn't like hockey, but you have so many people down there that are passionate about sports of all kinds that just don't get hockey!! WHY?? :? (I could ask the guys that don't like hockey, but it'll all be flaming that sounds like..."because hockey sucks" or "hockey's gay" so I won't :wink: )

It's just too localized and too expensive for most families to afford. You will seldom find recreational rinks outside of large cities...no rink means no youth skating and therefore lack of intersest. You will be hard-pressed not to find a community in the USA without some semblance of a baseball field, football field, or basketball court. They are easy to make, all three can be done outside, and they are much cheaper to play than hockey. Baseball only requires a $20 bat and $20 glove from Wal-Mart, a baseball or tennis ball, and a field at the community park to play. Basketball only requires a basketball and school yard court to play. Football requires a football and a wide open space. All three can be played for less than $50.I can safely assume that all my hockey equipment that I have bought is probably reaching $1000. To top that off we have rink times to pay for and time to find for that matter. The leagues that I used to play in cost me around $300-$400 dollars per half year to play. Our games were usually held at 10:30 P.M. because that's the only time we could find ice time. In the cities that have NHL teams hockey is extremely popular, but where no rinks exist (outside cities) it has little to no following.

Anyone who isn't into hockey has never seen a live game, it's pretty much that simple. I had a GF once who would throw up her hands in frustration every time I had a hockey game on with my boys, we took her to a live Sabres game and all of a sudden she was 100% into it.

I had the same problem with my brother. He had never been to a live game and automatically thought it was boring because he saw it on TV. I literally dragged him to a Blues game in St. Louis (which happened to be Brett Hull's first game back since leaving for Dallas) and he has been into it ever since. If people would just see a game in person then I am sure their perception would change in an instant.BTW, I happen to like baseball

[digitalmonkey 929]

It's just too localized and too expensive for most families to afford. You will seldom find recreational rinks outside of large cities...no rink means no youth skating and therefore lack of intersest. You will be hard-pressed not to find a community in the USA without some semblance of a baseball field, football field, or basketball court. They are easy to make, all three can be done outside, and they are much cheaper to play than hockey. Baseball only requires a $20 bat and $20 glove from Wal-Mart, a baseball or tennis ball, and a field at the community park to play. Basketball only requires a basketball and school yard court to play. Football requires a football and a wide open space. All three can be played for less than $50.I can safely assume that all my hockey equipment that I have bought is probably reaching $1000. To top that off we have rink times to pay for and time to find for that matter. The leagues that I used to play in cost me around $300-$400 dollars per half year to play. Our games were usually held at 10:30 P.M. because that's the only time we could find ice time. In the cities that have NHL teams hockey is extremely popular, but where no rinks exist (outside cities) it has little to no following.I had the same problem with my brother. He had never been to a live game and automatically thought it was boring because he saw it on TV. I literally dragged him to a Blues game in St. Louis (which happened to be Brett Hull's first game back since leaving for Dallas) and he has been into it ever since. If people would just see a game in person then I am sure their perception would change in an instant.BTW, I happen to like baseball

Hockey can be played with a $5 hockey stick and a ball!

[aadams_22 3]

Hockey can be played with a $5 hockey stick and a ball!

not ice hockey

[digitalmonkey 929]

not ice hockey

Okay, so $10 for a pair of used skates.

[aadams_22 3]

Okay, so $10 for a pair of used skates.

Still doesn't solve the problem of lack of outdoor ice. If you live south of Chicago you are pretty much S.O.L. when it comes to long-term pond ice in the USA.

[killer 0]

It's just too localized and too expensive for most families to afford. You will seldom find recreational rinks outside of large cities...no rink means no youth skating and therefore lack of intersest. You will be hard-pressed not to find a community in the USA without some semblance of a baseball field, football field, or basketball court. They are easy to make, all three can be done outside, and they are much cheaper to play than hockey. Baseball only requires a $20 bat and $20 glove from Wal-Mart, a baseball or tennis ball, and a field at the community park to play. Basketball only requires a basketball and school yard court to play. Football requires a football and a wide open space. All three can be played for less than $50.I can safely assume that all my hockey equipment that I have bought is probably reaching $1000. To top that off we have rink times to pay for and time to find for that matter. The leagues that I used to play in cost me around $300-$400 dollars per half year to play. Our games were usually held at 10:30 P.M. because that's the only time we could find ice time. In the cities that have NHL teams hockey is extremely popular, but where no rinks exist (outside cities) it has little to no following.I had the same problem with my brother. He had never been to a live game and automatically thought it was boring because he saw it on TV. I literally dragged him to a Blues game in St. Louis (which happened to be Brett Hull's first game back since leaving for Dallas) and he has been into it ever since. If people would just see a game in person then I am sure their perception would change in an instant.BTW, I happen to like baseball

************************************Excellent answer/explanation...great take!!!but...The question still stands, maybe it needs to be re-worded," Why, when people see this game, on tv, or live, don't they GET it??!!"For the most part, north americans don't GET soccer like europeans and three quarters of the known world, and I can see some people hating watching golf on tv or baseball, but hockey seems to be just the kind of sport that lends itself to being watched on tv!!!Oh well, whatever!!

[Drac 0]

************************************Excellent answer/explanation...great take!!!but...The question still stands, maybe it needs to be re-worded," Why, when people see this game, on tv, or live, don't they GET it??!!"For the most part, north americans don't GET soccer like europeans and three quarters of the known world, and I can see some people hating watching golf on tv or baseball, but hockey seems to be just the kind of sport that lends itself to being watched on tv!!!Oh well, whatever!!

Hockey on TV isn't nearly as good as live. You just lose a lot of the feel for the speed of the game on TV. I think it's very similar to auto racing. Being at the track and watching the cars blow by you at 200+ MPH is very different than watching it on TV. Football is a much better TV sport.

[aadams_22 3]

Hockey on TV isn't nearly as good as live. You just lose a lot of the feel for the speed of the game on TV. I think it's very similar to auto racing. Being at the track and watching the cars blow by you at 200+ MPH is very different than watching it on TV. Football is a much better TV sport.

You hit it right on the head...you just lose too much when you watch hockey on TV. When you can actually see how fast they are going, see open ice hits no where near the puck, etc. then you really gain a different perspective that you just don't get from television. Football is the only sport that I find more entertaining on television than I do watching in person.