I grew up just outside the cities in Hastings which was definitely a Hockey first town.

I don't think the Wild are in a better position than the Wolves because of the total number of hockey fans versus basketball fans or even NBA fans versus NHL fans.

This state has a chip on it's shoulder when it comes to being the top dog in hockey. There is something special that sucks in even people who haven't staked in the last 20 years of their life and probably never picked up a hockey stick.. In contrast the Wolves are just another local team. The Wolves need a real edge to generate buzz (read: if they are terrible no one cares). The same could be said for the Twins, though their roots run deeper.

pants wrote:

What exactly do you mean by "better position?" Like, financially? In terms of fan interest? I think the Wild are indeed in better position than the Wolves. The Wild get far, far superior TV ratings than the Wolves, and I believe they have sold out every single home game ever played at the Xcel Center.

Also, in some states that are die-hard hockey states, I believe their is more fan interest in hockey (especially the NCAA) than in basketball (and namely the NBA.) If you are talking about in terms of the entire US population, then yes I would agree basketball is generally more popular... but not in states like Minnesota, Maine, Mass., Wisconsin, the Dakota's, Colorado, etc.

And this is coming from a non-hockey fan!

When I say better position, I mean active fan base. If you were to measure fanatics site wide you'd see a huge edge for hockey. But if you were looking at casual fans in the Metro I don't think that'd be the case. For most families either you grew up with Hockey being a huge part of your life or you didn't play at all. In contrast virtually everyone casually played hoops. The outstate where hockey really really dominates aren't likely to be season ticket holders or either sport.

The Wild and the city of St. Paul have done a fantastic job converting non-hockey people into Wild fans. During the same period the Wolves have managed to turn off the casual basketball fan.

The Gophers have likely contributed to both those things via a resurgent hockey program and a down (until this year) basketball program.

Seriously when don't the Vikings choke? Hopefully Chilly won't be here much longer as nobody seems to like him, fans and players, just Zigi his budy. Just listen to the guy talk, makes me wanna rip my ears off with his boringness!

Anyway the Vikings are ok, my brother is a huge fan but I've been a Bears fan my entire life