Curious Hair wrote:
I guess we're starting to see the trickle-down of interest in the quasi-dynastic Blackhawks, because I think Illinois finally passed Pennsylvania in people signed up with USA Hockey. From what I understand, Minnesota's numbers are lower than they should be (but still forever safely in first place) because the high school leagues aren't affiliated with USA Hockey so not everyone gets counted or something? I don't know. Here's the list for 2015-2016:
Minnesota 57107
Michigan 50022
New York 49921
Massachusetts 49067
Illinois 31558
Pennsylvania* 30799
California 28296
New Jersey 18978
Wisconsin 18529
Nevada has goddamn no one playing hockey but the NHL can't wait to get into Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Wisconsin, Washington, and Connecticut will be told to fuck off forever. That's our league.
I think the chances are slim to none for Wisconsin to get an NHL franchise but with the Bucks getting a new stadium by 2018-19 I would say that an
actual case could probably at least be made for one. They have the Admirals of the AHL but I highly doubt they draw very well, probably even less
than the Wolves. Badgers hockey is relatively popular up here.