doakacola*
Registered User
- Feb 12, 2009
- 9,263
- 0
I don't deny that on average, Canadians as a whole have an easier time finding ways to play the game affordably. That being said, IMO, those opportunites are not that significant in the development of a kid wired to play the sport. Once that's discovered, the shinny days are a blip on the radar.
Outdoor hockey does impact the overall interest of the sport for young athletes. Minnesota is the closest thing to Canada in regards to outdoor facilities. The extra ice availability brings in more kids who you do find being "hardwired" to play. Unless global warming really accelerates I see Canada always holding an edge over the US.
Incidentally you could argue with a straight face Sweden and Finland based on population are actually the best hockey countries in the world.