"Americanizing" NHL Hockey?

[steveayres35]

I'm not sure why having Southern NHL teams is such a bad idea? We have 24 teams in the US compared to 7 in Canada, so my guess is that the NHL is already Americanized enough?

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[heynowbababooey]

Whut?

 

[SotasicA]

I see three question marks, but is there a question somewhere, too?

 

[jetsforever]

Forget Americanizing hockey, I think we should Mexicanize it.

 

[LordNeverLose]

The problem, not that I'm against having a few Southern teams, is that compared to the North people in the South don't play hockey and thus are less likely to be hockey fans.

 

[El Travo]

The problem, not that I'm against having a few Southern teams, is that compared to the North people in the South don't play hockey and thus are less likely to be hockey fans.

Can't grow the game without making new fans.

 

[LordNeverLose]

Can't grow the game without making new fans.

Always will be an uphill battle though. It's tough to really grow youth participation in a sport that requires ice in a place where the temperature is below freezing less than a month of the year.

And again, I'm in favor of having some Southern teams. Just pointing out the downside since that's what OP asked.

 

[cowboy82nd]

I'm not sure why having Southern NHL teams is such a bad idea? We have 24 teams in the US compared to 7 in Canada, so my guess is that the NHL is already Americanized enough?

Don't understand the question. You ask if having southern NHL teams is such a bad idea. I say no. It's not a bad idea at all. Then you say that the US has 24 teams compared to 7 in Canada, so you guess that the NHL is already Americanized enough? Can you please explain what your definition of Americanized is? If it's the US having more teams then Canada, then we can go back to the original 6 and say that.

 

[puckpilot]

Sorry the answer needs to be in the form of a question.

 

[Legionnaire]

It would be nice if we had a place for random thoughts that weren't thread worthy. Just sayin'.

 

[shtorm2005]

I think we should Mexicanize it.

Gonna be hard with just one mexican player, Tavarez

 

[Legionnaire]

Auston Matthews is more Mexican than John Tavares and Auston Matthews was born in the US.

 

[member 305909]

Money talks etc

 

[Holymakinaw]

It's not really about "Americanizing" the game. It's about making money.

America = money.

 

[Legionnaire]

It's not really about "Americanizing" the game. It's about making money.

America = money.

America = money? Prey tell, where is this not the case? Not even in Never, Neverland.


...Right? Because Captain Hook wanted to get paid.

 

[Zenos]

The problem, not that I'm against having a few Southern teams, is that compared to the North people in the South don't play hockey and thus are less likely to be hockey fans.

Sure, that's somewhat true for Minnesota, Michigan, Upstate NY, etc... But do that many people really play hockey in Chicago? or Pittsburgh? or NYC, DC, Philly, St. Louis?

Don't get me wrong, I think youth participation in hockey can help "grow the game", but I don't think it's really necessary for or indicative of club support.

 

[Devil Dancer]

The problem, not that I'm against having a few Southern teams, is that compared to the North people in the South don't play hockey and thus are less likely to be hockey fans.

That can change though. It just takes time and a compelling product.

I think most people would agree that Washington is a pretty healthy hockey market right now. Youth and adult hockey participation are exploding, there's a new multisurface rink being built, and the area has no problem supporting the local NHL team.

But that wasn't the case just a few years ago. Legend has it the team almost moved at one point long ago. Coming out of the full season lockout, no one want to Caps games. They were an afterthought in this market.

Ovie changed everything. Not right away, but over 13 seasons.

I don't see why that couldn't happen in Florida or Arizona. Put a winner on the ice and the sport will grow itself.

 

[Yatzhee]

The answers are fairly simplistic and 2 fold.
1. As already mentioned, geographical weather plays a substantial role. Very difficult to play outdoor ice hockey closer to the equator.
2. Large enough population centers to financially support a team. If the expansion south isn't a viable option, then where to? Scandanavia? Travel times are prohibitive to that end.

 

[leaferbeliever]

It's been Americanized since moving head offices from Montreal to New York City. Personal opinion of course.

 

[Karl Eriksson]

They should try Atlanta. Untapped potential there.

 

[Legionnaire]

They should try Atlanta. Untapped potential there.

A flamingly hot market.

 

[Stealth JD]

Auston Matthews is more Mexican than John Tavares and Auston Matthews was born in the US.

Good god, man. You’ve been around here long enough to have seen the “What Nationality is Tavares” thread.

 

[Not Jared Cowen]

Canada is part of North America so it was already ‘Americanized’. You’re welcome.

 

[Mike Liut]

Sure, that's somewhat true for Minnesota, Michigan, Upstate NY, etc... But do that many people really play hockey in Chicago? or Pittsburgh? or NYC, DC, Philly, St. Louis?

Don't get me wrong, I think youth participation in hockey can help "grow the game", but I don't think it's really necessary for or indicative of club support.

St.Louis has many NHL players currently. Wasn’t there 5 first rounders from STL a few years ago in the draft? Tkachuk, Keller, Brown, Kunin and Frederic. Not bad

 

[Cotton]

Auston Matthews is more Mexican than John Tavares and Auston Matthews was born in the US.

Tavares is Portugues.