Whether it is how much coverage ESPN gives it, or the forum buzz on here, One of the slowest forums compared to the other three/four, I also don't hear much sports talk radio giving it air time, Why? As a limey who loves Americans sports, I have watched thousands of NFL games, Hundreds of MLB and NBA games yet have never watched an NHL game or bet on one, Simply because of how it's marketed over here and that right there tells you all you need to know, The other three sports are global brands and the NHL seemingly isn't. But why do Americans seemingly not care about it? Why does it not get the hype the other three sports do?
To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Whether it is how much coverage ESPN gives it, or the forum buzz on here, One of the slowest forums compared to the other three/four, I also don't hear much sports talk radio giving it air time, Why? As a limey who loves Americans sports, I have watched thousands of NFL games, Hundreds of MLB and NBA games yet have never watched an NHL game or bet on one, Simply because of how it's marketed over here and that right there tells you all you need to know, The other three sports are global brands and the NHL seemingly isn't. But why do Americans seemingly not care about it? Why does it not get the hype the other three sports do?
Agreed Hockey is the SECOND least favorite Sport in the USA. Soccer is the worst. I lost my love for soccer when my son's team went 0-11-1 and the tie game was 0-0. Soccer sukks.
Canadians love Hockey more than the USA. But, I have to say, Hockey teams have a VERY strong following. Season ticket holders are the best and most vicious of any American sport fan. It just doesn't translate to TV very well.
Back in the day I had second row blue line season tickets to the Hartford Whalers. Why second row? So we could laugh at the front row imbeciles who put their beer cups on the ledge. Of course the players used to aim at them and howl laugh when the beer went into the faces.
MLB, NFL, NBA will always be above NHL in the States.
That's just the way it is.
~~~~~ZOSO~~~~~
Agreed Hockey is the SECOND least favorite Sport in the USA. Soccer is the worst. I lost my love for soccer when my son's team went 0-11-1 and the tie game was 0-0. Soccer sukks.
Canadians love Hockey more than the USA. But, I have to say, Hockey teams have a VERY strong following. Season ticket holders are the best and most vicious of any American sport fan. It just doesn't translate to TV very well.
Back in the day I had second row blue line season tickets to the Hartford Whalers. Why second row? So we could laugh at the front row imbeciles who put their beer cups on the ledge. Of course the players used to aim at them and howl laugh when the beer went into the faces.
MLB, NFL, NBA will always be above NHL in the States.
MOST men have played baseball, football, Basketball.... most have not played hockey - that is your answer
I think this is the main reason. I like hockey, love going to games, but I simply cannot identify with line changes power play strategies and playing along the boards. Have never done it
Quote Originally Posted by SportsFan9698:
MOST men have played baseball, football, Basketball.... most have not played hockey - that is your answer
I think this is the main reason. I like hockey, love going to games, but I simply cannot identify with line changes power play strategies and playing along the boards. Have never done it
Hockey is a very expensive sport to play. Between ice time, league rates, travel expenses and equipment/equipment maintenance, it's easily the most expensive sport to play. My parents and teammates parents didn't earn much growing up but they ponied up the money so we could enjoy this great game.
For basketball, soccer and football, all you need is a ball and a park or ballcourt.
For football, most leagues here loan their equipment out each season so all the kids could play.
Played ice for 14 years and I love it.
Hockey is a very expensive sport to play. Between ice time, league rates, travel expenses and equipment/equipment maintenance, it's easily the most expensive sport to play. My parents and teammates parents didn't earn much growing up but they ponied up the money so we could enjoy this great game.
For basketball, soccer and football, all you need is a ball and a park or ballcourt.
For football, most leagues here loan their equipment out each season so all the kids could play.
MOST men have played baseball, football, Basketball.... most have not played hockey - that is your answer
Another +1 on this statement. I'd bet less than 25% know how to skate, much less play hockey. Fans will always be most interested in a sport in which they have participated. If you play a sport as a kid you'll always have an interest in it.
MOST men have played baseball, football, Basketball.... most have not played hockey - that is your answer
Another +1 on this statement. I'd bet less than 25% know how to skate, much less play hockey. Fans will always be most interested in a sport in which they have participated. If you play a sport as a kid you'll always have an interest in it.
Can't relate because they never played. Also, Americans like action. Watching a three hour game to have two or three goals a lot of the time isn't enough.
Can't relate because they never played. Also, Americans like action. Watching a three hour game to have two or three goals a lot of the time isn't enough.
When I was young & lived in NY I loved hockey. I was a big Rangers fan back when they has Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, Ed Giacomin, Vic Hadfield......etc. After moving west in the early 70's it was tough to keep track of hockey.......no cable back then. Now I see teams in Phoenix, Nashville, Florida, California, etc........not the same as the old days.
When I was young & lived in NY I loved hockey. I was a big Rangers fan back when they has Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, Ed Giacomin, Vic Hadfield......etc. After moving west in the early 70's it was tough to keep track of hockey.......no cable back then. Now I see teams in Phoenix, Nashville, Florida, California, etc........not the same as the old days.
Have to agree with what everyone else has already stated. Unless you grew up playing and watching the game, it's a very difficult sport to just get into at a later age in my opinion. I'd even argue that it's a dying game in Canada.
I think one of the biggest problems the NHL has is that their athletes are so difficult to market. The game itself isn't tailored to focusing on the star athletes as compared to the other three leagues.
Personally, I haven't watch a game in years and have little to no interest these days. Sure, the team I grew up rooting for has been horrible for my entire life but even so, I'd say a majority of the conversation at work revolves around the NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA.
And since this is a betting forum, I also think the NHL has little gambling appeal unlike the other sports.
One more thing - hockey players are arguably the dumbest athletes in the world. The majority of them have the personality of a paint can. Listening to them speak is cringe worthy.
Have to agree with what everyone else has already stated. Unless you grew up playing and watching the game, it's a very difficult sport to just get into at a later age in my opinion. I'd even argue that it's a dying game in Canada.
I think one of the biggest problems the NHL has is that their athletes are so difficult to market. The game itself isn't tailored to focusing on the star athletes as compared to the other three leagues.
Personally, I haven't watch a game in years and have little to no interest these days. Sure, the team I grew up rooting for has been horrible for my entire life but even so, I'd say a majority of the conversation at work revolves around the NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA.
And since this is a betting forum, I also think the NHL has little gambling appeal unlike the other sports.
One more thing - hockey players are arguably the dumbest athletes in the world. The majority of them have the personality of a paint can. Listening to them speak is cringe worthy.
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
That's not true. It's just that the speed of the game makes it hard to really see what's happening.
Quote Originally Posted by gfinger:
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
That's not true. It's just that the speed of the game makes it hard to really see what's happening.
Have to agree with what everyone else has already stated. Unless you grew up playing and watching the game, it's a very difficult sport to just get into at a later age in my opinion. I'd even argue that it's a dying game in Canada.
I think one of the biggest problems the NHL has is that their athletes are so difficult to market. The game itself isn't tailored to focusing on the star athletes as compared to the other three leagues.
Personally, I haven't watch a game in years and have little to no interest these days. Sure, the team I grew up rooting for has beenhorrible for my entire life but even so, I'd say a majority of the conversation at work revolves around the NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA.
And since this is a betting forum, I also think the NHL has little gambling appeal unlike the other sports.
One more thing - hockey players are arguably the dumbest athletes in the world. The majority of them have the personality of a paint can. Listening to them speak is cringe worthy.
1) I am truly sorry for your Maple Loafs.
2) Betting hockey is very similar to baseball. It's all about the money line and not the spread. Almost all casual gamblers want a spread because that's what they know. Idiots will bet the biggest dog on the board as fast as another idiot will bet the biggest fave. Very few understand the reality of the moneyline and where/how to get value.
3) The last comment about NHL players is true. There's almost a militaristic attitude amongst the players where they're afraid to show some emotion or humor lest they get benched for the next game.
I watched TJ Oshie get interviewed after last night's Caps game, and he couldn't have been any more cold and robotic if he tried. Here's a young, good looking Olympic hero acting like a piece of cardboard because of why?
Quote Originally Posted by Canada_Chris:
Have to agree with what everyone else has already stated. Unless you grew up playing and watching the game, it's a very difficult sport to just get into at a later age in my opinion. I'd even argue that it's a dying game in Canada.
I think one of the biggest problems the NHL has is that their athletes are so difficult to market. The game itself isn't tailored to focusing on the star athletes as compared to the other three leagues.
Personally, I haven't watch a game in years and have little to no interest these days. Sure, the team I grew up rooting for has beenhorrible for my entire life but even so, I'd say a majority of the conversation at work revolves around the NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA.
And since this is a betting forum, I also think the NHL has little gambling appeal unlike the other sports.
One more thing - hockey players are arguably the dumbest athletes in the world. The majority of them have the personality of a paint can. Listening to them speak is cringe worthy.
1) I am truly sorry for your Maple Loafs.
2) Betting hockey is very similar to baseball. It's all about the money line and not the spread. Almost all casual gamblers want a spread because that's what they know. Idiots will bet the biggest dog on the board as fast as another idiot will bet the biggest fave. Very few understand the reality of the moneyline and where/how to get value.
3) The last comment about NHL players is true. There's almost a militaristic attitude amongst the players where they're afraid to show some emotion or humor lest they get benched for the next game.
I watched TJ Oshie get interviewed after last night's Caps game, and he couldn't have been any more cold and robotic if he tried. Here's a young, good looking Olympic hero acting like a piece of cardboard because of why?
I think hockey suffers in newer cities such as Phoenix. Not sure how it is in the South, but many transplants from other states move here and it must suck for the Coyotes when 3/4 of the 'home' team is rooting against you.
Just seems like Northeastern cities have great hockey pride, with Chicago, Detroit, LA , STL also with die-hard fans. Compare this to NFL and the popularity of its teams. Only a handful of NFL teams come across as unpopular, Jacksonville and Cleveland.
I think hockey suffers in newer cities such as Phoenix. Not sure how it is in the South, but many transplants from other states move here and it must suck for the Coyotes when 3/4 of the 'home' team is rooting against you.
Just seems like Northeastern cities have great hockey pride, with Chicago, Detroit, LA , STL also with die-hard fans. Compare this to NFL and the popularity of its teams. Only a handful of NFL teams come across as unpopular, Jacksonville and Cleveland.
I am not exaggerating when I say this -- I can not name 5 current NHL players off the top of my head. I can not even name 5 NHL teams off the top of my head.
because it is hockey. that is the answer.
I am not exaggerating when I say this -- I can not name 5 current NHL players off the top of my head. I can not even name 5 NHL teams off the top of my head.
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
apparently you are completely clueless when it comes to hockey
Quote Originally Posted by gfinger:
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
apparently you are completely clueless when it comes to hockey
I am not exaggerating when I say this -- I can not name 5 current NHL players off the top of my head. I can not even name 5 NHL teams off the top of my head.
who cares if you cannot name 5 teams, you sound like a complete idiot
Quote Originally Posted by mattbrot:
because it is hockey. that is the answer.
I am not exaggerating when I say this -- I can not name 5 current NHL players off the top of my head. I can not even name 5 NHL teams off the top of my head.
who cares if you cannot name 5 teams, you sound like a complete idiot
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
As someone who played collegiate hockey, you come off as really ignorant and uninformed.
Quote Originally Posted by gfinger:
I find hockey boring. It lacks strategy. Drop the puck and have at it really. Sure there are line changes but it's not like you draw up plays to execute.
As someone who played collegiate hockey, you come off as really ignorant and uninformed.
apparently you are completely clueless when it comes to hockey
Agreed
Hockey lacks strategy and you don't draw up plays to execute.
Extremely ignorant is an understatement.
It's even worse when they're are hockey fans that think this way. You fellas know this type of fan. He's the @sshole that yells "Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!" when the team crosses the opposing team's blue line.
Quote Originally Posted by MetalGods:
apparently you are completely clueless when it comes to hockey
Agreed
Hockey lacks strategy and you don't draw up plays to execute.
Extremely ignorant is an understatement.
It's even worse when they're are hockey fans that think this way. You fellas know this type of fan. He's the @sshole that yells "Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!" when the team crosses the opposing team's blue line.
Demographics: The average hockey fan is more educated and earns more money than foot,base, or basket fans.
When played without thuggery it is the most challenging and beautiful sport. It is as beautiful as any ballet I have attended.
Low talent teams can narrow the advantage by resorting to thuggery. So they do.
80% of fans are watching for the hockey. 20% are watching for the collisions/fights. The 20% are the most rabid fans. How does the league transition to the great sport hockey could be without alienating their most rabid fans. They don't know. My guess would be double the minutes on penalties.
I think that is the fundamental problem.
After that is the league and networks haven't figured out how to present the game. Do they give long range shots showing the overall strategy and adjustment of offense and defense?Do they stick with close ups showing player technique and collisions? They don't know. My suggestion: a split screen with both. Why not? People have TV's bigger than their car windshields. Let the fan focus on what they want.
Lastly, management that is not up to the task. The shootout to resolve game is the one solution guaranteed to irritate everyone. It is a great all star game gimmick. It sucks as a way to decide the winner of a game. After to OT they should have another 5 minutes with 4 on 4, then 3 on 3 if needed. The game becomes wilder and wilder as it goes on, not duller.
2 trivia notes:
Hockey is the only sport played a faster than humans can move. (You can skate faster than you can run)
Hockey is the only sport that allows you to bring a weapon (their sticks) in to play. (If you carry the bat to 1st, you are out.)
Obviously, I'm talking about major sport, not polo,la cross, or fencing.
Demographics: The average hockey fan is more educated and earns more money than foot,base, or basket fans.
When played without thuggery it is the most challenging and beautiful sport. It is as beautiful as any ballet I have attended.
Low talent teams can narrow the advantage by resorting to thuggery. So they do.
80% of fans are watching for the hockey. 20% are watching for the collisions/fights. The 20% are the most rabid fans. How does the league transition to the great sport hockey could be without alienating their most rabid fans. They don't know. My guess would be double the minutes on penalties.
I think that is the fundamental problem.
After that is the league and networks haven't figured out how to present the game. Do they give long range shots showing the overall strategy and adjustment of offense and defense?Do they stick with close ups showing player technique and collisions? They don't know. My suggestion: a split screen with both. Why not? People have TV's bigger than their car windshields. Let the fan focus on what they want.
Lastly, management that is not up to the task. The shootout to resolve game is the one solution guaranteed to irritate everyone. It is a great all star game gimmick. It sucks as a way to decide the winner of a game. After to OT they should have another 5 minutes with 4 on 4, then 3 on 3 if needed. The game becomes wilder and wilder as it goes on, not duller.
2 trivia notes:
Hockey is the only sport played a faster than humans can move. (You can skate faster than you can run)
Hockey is the only sport that allows you to bring a weapon (their sticks) in to play. (If you carry the bat to 1st, you are out.)
Obviously, I'm talking about major sport, not polo,la cross, or fencing.
I love hockey but I have destroyed both my ankles so badly from a lifetime of playing the other 3 major sports that I can barely skate, my ankles bend in like a newborn fawn trying to walk
I love hockey but I have destroyed both my ankles so badly from a lifetime of playing the other 3 major sports that I can barely skate, my ankles bend in like a newborn fawn trying to walk
Gary Bettman 
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