Americans Hate Hockey

Here is some great stuff about the popularity of Pro Hockey in the USA.

Steve Buccigross included these statistics in his most recent post.

In a New York Times article from Feb. 2, Richard Sandomir reported that 736 people watched the Jan. 27 Devils-Panthers game on MSG.

736 - that is 736 people watching one of the best teams of the last decade, in their backyard.

The Devils average 13,206 households for their televised games.
The Islanders average just 7,336.
The Rangers average 36,834.

Of all Fox Sports Net regional channels, the Red Wings lead all NHL teams (average 96,915).

This season's All-Star Game drew 691,000 viewers.

2.7 million watched in 2004.
6.5 million watched in 1996.

By way of comparison

925,377 people watched the Winter X Games between 9:13-11:21 p.m on January 28th.
824,360 people watched a replay of the Australian Open men's final.

As for live draws, I have made this point int he past, but this is even better.

The Wisconsin Badgers, a NCAA college hockey team, averages 14,272 fans per game that is currently better than seven NHL teams

Phoenix, Boston, New Jersey, Washington, Chicago, Islanders and St. Louis.

Four former Stanley cup Champions, two finalists and the team stolen from Winnipeg.

The numbers don't get any better.