In the early 1990s when the NHL began its southward expansion into areas of the United States more associated with football than hockey, it was viewed with skepticism. Would hockey be able to thrive in places like Texas and Florida?
Hockey still lags in popularity in the U.S. compared to football, basketball, and baseball, but from a personal standpoint, I can attest to the impact that hockey has had in areas not previously known as a breeding ground for passionate NHL fans before a team arrived.
I’ve lived in northern California all my life, and I can confidently say that if the San Jose Sharks hadn’t arrived as an expansion team during the 1991-1992 season (I was born in April of 1992, so the Sharks are only slightly older than I am) I never would have gotten into hockey.