Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

[Dougie_G_93]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Um, yeah. Lets see how many titles the Badgers have?? oh yeah:
NCAA Tournament Champions
1973, 1977, 1981, 1983, 1990, 2006
NCAA Tournament Frozen Four
1970, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1992, 2006, 2010
NCAA Tournament Appearances
1970, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013

75 former Badgers have skated in the NHL all-time.
17 former Badgers have skated in the NHL in the 2013 season.
22 former Badgers skated in the NHL in 2011-12 season.

[gopher_guy]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

I didn't say anything about Wisconsin's accomplishments on the ice. Storied college hockey program.

Badger hockey fans and "understand the game" do not go together. I've been to enough games at the Kohl Center to know that :wink:

[Storm12]

Jeez... I ask about Wisconsin and hockey and this happens.

[gopher_guy]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Probably my fault; arguing about Wisconsin hockey is not the point of this thread.

Just always hard to pass up the chance to get a shot in on the Badgers

[Storm12]

It's cool... Anywhoo I got into hockey again after a two or three year hiatus, and I got my entire family somewhat knowledgeable about it. I have not actually played it yet, but if I can get a skate and sticks I will try

[DaRK]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Hockey is also super expensive, which I think also shies people away from the sport. I'm sure if more people played it, they'd be more into the NHL most likely.

[Dougie_G_93]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

I didn't say anything about Wisconsin's accomplishments on the ice. Storied college hockey program.

Badger hockey fans and "understand the game" do not go together. I've been to enough games at the Kohl Center to know that :wink:

Oh LOL now I see. I think Budweiser may have something to do with that...

Although the "sieve" chant is rather amusing I must say

[Segagendude]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

@Bwiggy--- excellent points. I was drawn to hockey over say the NBA for the speed.

3.2 seconds in an NBA game feels like 3.2 hours sometimes.... Timeouts, stoppage of play, commercials, etc...

[jyoung]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

1) You need a rink or frozen water to play. Lots of areas in the USA don't have those available.

2) The cost for a complete set of beginner hockey equipment is around $500. That's a heck of a lot more than buying a $10 basketball or football. Depending on where you live, many sporting goods stores don't even sell hockey equipment at all.

3) Hockey is extremely difficult to learn and has a high risk of injury. Especially when you are just starting out. Thus a lot of people are intimidated from trying the sport or give up after only a few times.

4) Many middle schools, high schools and colleges do not have a hockey team for kids to join.

[TjJunior]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Americans are mainly interested in sports that are dominated by most americans. NFL created by americans, NBA dominated by americans. Baseball created by america, but no longer dominated by them so interest is not as high. Hockey? Canadian created Canadian dominated. Just my opinion based on loose facts.

[bwiggy33]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Americans are mainly interested in sports that are dominated by most americans. NFL created by americans, NBA dominated by americans. Baseball created by america, but no longer dominated by them so interest is not as high. Hockey? Canadian created Canadian dominated. Just my opinion based on loose facts.

I partially agree with what you're saying but I don't think that's why people don't like hockey. What you are talking about is just the end result of the actual factors that affect participation and growth of the game. With basketball it's extremely easy to play and costs next to nothing. American's like simple and easy. Then you add in the factor of regions and that most states don't have freezing weather and people can continue playing basketball outside basically every day. That's why participation is so high with basketball and that's why you get so many people from America playing it. The same goes for the other sports. With football you may not have the equipment but you can still play it in your backyard and replicate the sport.

Hockey is not like any of those sports so you need people from other countries to come to America and Canada to play. The league wouldn't be as entertaining if that didn't happen. I agree that the lack of Americans (which is growing) does affect the popularity, but I guarantee that there would be much more popularity and participation if hockey had the advantages that basketball, football, and baseball do. To me what makes hockey great is the diversity in it, especially now. Canada obviously developed the sport but now the NHL has players from every where. There have been so many players from other countries that have brought different skill sets and styles to the NHL.

[Dougie_G_93]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Americans are mainly interested in sports that are dominated by most americans. NFL created by americans, NBA dominated by americans. Baseball created by america, but no longer dominated by them so interest is not as high. Hockey? Canadian created Canadian dominated. Just my opinion based on loose facts.

Completely disagree.
So Canada is all about maple syrup, back bacon, and hockey.
Does that sound about right? eh?
How's that for loose facts?

[ate55]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

To paint brush and say Americans don't like hockey would be the same as someone saying "Why don't Canadians like baseball, football or basketball?" Shouldn't single out Americans in that kind of statement because last time I'm checked the majority of the teams in the NHL are based in America and a lot of the arenas are sold out. Who buy's those tickets??? Americans! I can tell you for a fact that here in Tampa, the Lightning have more of a capacity over the past few years than the Bucs and Rays! I for one love hockey and I know there are approximately 18,000 people in this area that love it. So to ask the question and label Americans is just wrong!

[gopher_guy]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

I think one of the main reasons is the price of playing hockey. That's the main reason why I never played organized hockey. If kids don't play it growing up, they're less likely to enjoy the sport as an adult. Of course in climates like Minnesota, I spent my winters playing pond hockey and boot hockey. Fell in love with the sport very early in life, even though I never played in an organized league.

Some parents spend THOUSANDS of dollars on their kids' hockey careers. Going to camps in the summers, etc. I know of a player who plays for the Gophers (my dad is from the town where this player is from, and still works there) whose parents lost their house because of the expenses for sending him to all the tournaments and stuff all around the world.

Talk about putting a lot of pressure on your kid to make it to the NHL

[SWEAT DOGG]

Re: Why don't people (especially Americans) like hockey?

Probably cause they cant eat that much in three 20 minute periods then they can in baseball and NFL :P LOL