Why has college hockey in Minnesota flourished while the NHL franchise
has remained stagnant?
 
1) the U of M has a long tradition of winning hockey. They are probably the
   single most glorified program in the nation (im not talking necesarily
   national crowns but rather, aura). the north stars have not.
 
2) loyalties can take a long time to build. minnesotans have followed the
   U of M for as long as they can remember. it is something that is passed
   down from parent to child, in many cases. the north stars have only
   been around for 25 years and have not been dazzling with success.
 
(those 2 could also explain why NBA has not caught on in Indiana)
 
3) perhaps it's because the U of M is actually in the Twin Cities while
   the north stars play in bloomington, about an hour (?) from the heart
   of the area.
 
4) perhaps, it's because of the resentment some people have of pro athletes
   and their money/attitude/(insert favorite grip here).
 
5) it may well also be because of the fact that the NHL was once a cross
   between the WWF and Ice Capades while college hockey focused on hockey.
   (although I doubt that explains all of it)
 
any thoughts?
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BRI FARENELL        CLARKSON '95        [log in to unmask]
ECAC and AHL contact for rec.sport.hockey
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ADIRONDACK RED WINGS, Calder Cup Champs: '81  '86  '89  '92
Let's Go Tech!          Boston Bruins Rule!     Go USA Hockey!
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