NHL Teams That Hold a Special Place in Hearts of Hockey Fans (And Why)

When discussing favorite and least favorite NHL teams, hockey fans often share deep personal connections. Today, we dive into the reasons behind these feelings, focusing on fans both within and outside of Canada. Specifically, we explore why some teams, despite varying degrees of success, manage to hold a special place in the hearts of passionate fans.

Canadians and Their Rivalries: The Chicago Blackhawks

As a Canadian, I often find myself caught in contradictions around favorite and least-favorite NHL teams. However, a particular team stands out as my least favorite: the Chicago Blackhawks. This hatred, which dates back to the days when Bobby Hull was the team's star, reveals the depth of fan emotions and the complexity of rivalries.

The Toronto Maple Leafs: Canada's Sad Story

The Toronto Maple Leafs hold a position of infamy in the hockey world, largely due to their inability to win a Stanley Cup in over 50 years. Fans are often accused of holding onto delusions of victory, but their loyalty persists. It's a bittersweet situation that leaves many tormented fans to call their fellow supporters haters, showcasing the passionate yet frustrating reality of being a die-hard sports fan.

State Hockey Frenemies: The Arizona Coyotes and Beyond

The Arizona Coyotes, often viewed as the underdog, only further exacerbate the fan's lack of interest in most games. The team's consistent mediocrity, along with indifferent player behavior, creates a disinterest that extends beyond the ice. The departures of key players and coaching staff add to the disappointment, leaving the community feeling let down.

A Minnesota Perspective: The Dallas Stars

For Minnesotans, the story is all too familiar with the Dallas Stars. The franchise’s relocation and subsequent success in Texas, following the move of the Minnesota North Stars in 1993, left fans feeling betrayed. The addition of the 1999 Stanley Cup win only heightens these feelings of injustice, turning the team into a hated entity. The former owner, Norm Green, is a figure synonymous with infamy in Minnesota, and even years later, the team remains a bane for local sports fans.

Not Canada, Not Even the United States: The Arizona Coyotes

Within the confines of the United States, sometimes cross-regional rivalries arise from unexpected places. For instance, members of the MIT ice hockey team found themselves facing off against the Gordon College and Plymouth State College hockey teams. While these rivalries offered a level of excitement, they also brought their fair share of antagonism. Whether it was the close-by fan retaliation or the intimidating height of the Plymouth State players, these encounters left lasting impressions.

Conclusion

The world of NHL teams is full of deep and often complex feelings. Whether it's the never-ending hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs, or the scorn for the Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes, fans everywhere form strong allegiances, positive or negative, that shape their season experiences. As we look towards the future of hockey, these feelings only serve to fan the flames of passion and create lifelong memories.