DustinHall
Registered User
There is often talk about what leagues are best and to be completely honest, I find that to be a difficult task. Leagues are so different and then if you factor in different sizes playing surfaces, you are almost looking at different hockey altogether.
So, I am curious to know what people think about fans. What leagues, or what specific teams have the best fan experiences?
I am in Canada and I will say that the NHL atmosphere is pretty boring for the most part. My favourite hockey experience here is the first Winter Classic where Crosby scored in the shootout. The experience itself was phenomenal, and I know full well that the snow and my team winning factor into that.
In my travels I have been to a Spengler Cup and it was easily the best fan experience I have ever had. I loved being in the standing room only section and learning the chants and feeling like it was more of a football (soccer) experience and I wished we had standing room sections in the NHL and fans chanting all game and being loud.
I have also played in New Zealand and the fans in Queenstown were great and really into it despite the small rink (that had no glass at the time).
I really like some of the smaller rinks and their ability to take a smaller crowd and make it seem big. I also love that many of the European leagues have such dedicated fans and proud supporters and they love their teams and their results impact the mood of the city.
Let’s hear your experiences and thoughts on fans at hockey around the world.
So, I am curious to know what people think about fans. What leagues, or what specific teams have the best fan experiences?
I am in Canada and I will say that the NHL atmosphere is pretty boring for the most part. My favourite hockey experience here is the first Winter Classic where Crosby scored in the shootout. The experience itself was phenomenal, and I know full well that the snow and my team winning factor into that.
In my travels I have been to a Spengler Cup and it was easily the best fan experience I have ever had. I loved being in the standing room only section and learning the chants and feeling like it was more of a football (soccer) experience and I wished we had standing room sections in the NHL and fans chanting all game and being loud.
I have also played in New Zealand and the fans in Queenstown were great and really into it despite the small rink (that had no glass at the time).
I really like some of the smaller rinks and their ability to take a smaller crowd and make it seem big. I also love that many of the European leagues have such dedicated fans and proud supporters and they love their teams and their results impact the mood of the city.
Let’s hear your experiences and thoughts on fans at hockey around the world.
