I'm 100% french, from Paris.
I'm mostly here because of Texier obviously, but I also like Foligno and I follow him a bit since his NHL debuts.
I don't really know why but I like his charisma/mental toughness overall. (I like other players such as Bjorkstrand and Robinson too)
That being said, I'm so pissed the way Tex is used by Torts right now. Like really.
I watched all the games this year, but didn't watch the last 2/3 games. I just can't stand this rubbish style of play anymore (and that awful player management).
I was so happy last year to see that Tex could become a 1st-2nd line NHL player quickly enough with both PP & PK time (which he did well enough in the POs), because he clearly has the skills to do so.
I don't have words if you consider he is a 4th liner now... What a f***** waste.
I hope Torts leaves and we can see a new coach/system where a lot of players of that team can rise again.
Or just trade him, I have no doubt he will succeed elsewhere.
Except that, to answer the question, french people are not here (except 3/4 people) just because there are very few ice hockey fans in France. (except in some cities/areas)
You have a lot of sports ahead in terms of media coverage and popularity (Soccer of course, Rugby, Tennis, Handball, Basketball, Volleyball, Cycling, Biathlon among others...)
Big improvements were made those 5/8 years by the FFHG (French Ice Hockey Federation) but ice hockey is just not in the mainstream sports culture here.
This year we have a decent chance to make it to the Olympic Games though. We should have our NHLers ready (+ Stephane Da Costa who plays in KHL with Voronkov at Bars Kazan, he is an amazing player, who could actually help a lot the CBJ PP
).
I think it will be a really interesting qualifying game against Latvia in August.
For ice hockey in France, being (and performing) at the Olympics is the only significant way to make something happen in terms of popularity.
Here are my thoughts, FWIW