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Are there any non-traditional hockey markets that have seen a surge in popularity in recent years?

Moody Minty

As a passionate hockey fan, I can definitely say that the sport has expanded beyond traditional markets in recent years. While the NHL has historically been dominated by Canadian and American teams, we've seen an increase in popularity in non-traditional markets like Arizona, Vegas, Dallas, and Nashville.

In Arizona, the Coyotes have struggled with attendance in the past, but have started to gain more support in recent years. Part of this is due to the team's success, but the Coyotes have also done a great job connecting with the local community and promoting hockey to youth programs. With more and more kids getting involved in the sport, there's no doubt that Arizona will continue to grow as a hockey market.

Similarly, the Golden Knights have been a huge success in Las Vegas. Many people were skeptical of the expansion team's ability to succeed in a city that's known more for its casinos and nightlife than hockey. However, the Knights quickly won over fans with their exciting style of play and deep playoff runs. The team has also been successful in building a strong local fanbase, with many people proudly flying Vegas' black and gold colors around town.

In addition to these newer markets, there are also some surprising places where hockey has started to take off. One example is Nashville, where the Predators have become one of the most popular teams in the league. Despite being located in the heart of SEC football country, the Preds have gained a huge following in Music City. The team's success on the ice and innovative marketing strategies have helped make hockey a part of Nashville's cultural landscape.

Another non-traditional market that has seen a surge in popularity is Dallas. The Stars have been in the league since 1967, but have been somewhat overlooked in a city that's more known for football and basketball. However, the Stars have made strides in recent years, including hosting the 2018 NHL draft and reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2019. The team has also made a concerted effort to invest in youth hockey programs and build a sustainable fanbase throughout North Texas.

Of course, there are other non-traditional markets that have yet to fully embrace hockey. Cities like Miami, Tampa, and Atlanta have struggled to maintain strong attendance despite having NHL teams. However, with the continued growth of youth hockey and the league's push to expand its global footprint, we may see even more surprising hockey markets emerge in the coming years.

Overall, it's an exciting time to be a hockey fan. While traditional markets like Canada and the Northeast USA will always be the heart of the sport, it's great to see new fans and teams bringing fresh energy and excitement to the game. Who knows - maybe one day we'll see a Stanley Cup champion from a completely unexpected place!