In the midwest, hockey is a way of life. Among active U.S.-born NHL players, 47% are from the midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri) Averaging the attendance of the NHL’s four midwestern teams (Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, St. Louis) yields 18931 fans. This is a sellout or more than a sellout in most NHL arenas, especially with Blackhawks games.
Out of the five states in question here, only one does not have an NHL franchise. 4.8% of U.S.-born NHL players hail from the state of Wisconsin, combining for 3523 points. Wisconsin produces top-tier NHL talent. Joe Pavelski, Phil Kessel, Ryan Suter, Alex Galchenyuk, the Hawks’ very own Jake McCabe, and Cole Caulfield are all current NHLers who were born in Wisconsin.