Kurt Stutt's analysis of the poor geographic (i.e. demographic)
location of 8 of the 12 ECAC teams and the discussion of the
lack of national media attention given to college hockey due
to the limited geographical area in which there is significant
interest raises a question that I have often wondered about:
Why haven't at least one or two significant DivI programs
emerged in the Long Island/New York City/northern New Jersey
area?
 
1. There is certainly a great deal of spectator interest in hockey
in the region.  There are three NHL teams and the Rangers have
always had good attendence.  The Devils and Islanders haven't
done as well but have drawn enough support to survive.  The
interest is not something that is a product of the NHL's
recent expansion and marketing.  The Rangers were one of the
"original" 6 NHL teams and always had a strong fan base.
 
2. Having grown up in the region I know there is a lot of
street hockey played and there is certainly a fair amount
of ice hockey played on ponds and lakes during the limited
winter season (as compared to say Minnesota or Wisconsin).
 
3. There is an enormous (& diverse) population base which contains
a substantial number of people who attended schools (such
as Cornell) with prominent DivI hockey programs.
 
Given these factors, why isn't there Div I college hockey
in this area?  One could argue that Princeton and Yale are
in this area.  However, both of these schools are on the
perphery of what is now considered the NY Metro area and
were generally considered outside the Metro area 20 or
more years ago. Judging from announced attendence figures
the interest in college hockey in New Haven and Princeton
is tepid.  For example, Princeton drew a very small crowd
to its home ECAC playoff game this year.
 
This all seems very relevant to the discussion of national
media attention for college hockey.  One would think that a
more prominent position in a media center such as New York
would certainly help attract sponsor and network interest.
Why hasn't college hockey become a part of the NY sports scene?
 
 
John Zack
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