Of the "Big Four" sports in the USA - baseball, football, basketball, and hockey - hockey has always been the "little brother."
It doesn't command the ratings or the monumental TV contracts that football, basketball, or baseball get, nor does it produce as many marquee stars; while just about any American, no matter how casual a fan, could probably name 5 players, if not more, who are currently playing in the NBA, NFL, or MLB, I'd be willing to bet that most couldn't name five current NHL players.
"Uhhh... Wayne Gretzky, is he still playing?"
"Nope."
"Um... there was that Mario guy... Mario Lemieux, yeah. Him?"
"Nope."
"Shit. What about that goalie who was really awesome in the Olympics? God, why can't I remember his name?"
"Ryan Miller."
"Yeah, him. Is he still playing?"
"Hey, you just named one. Four to go."
"Ummmmmmmmm... you sure Gretzky isn't still playing?"
So, with that in mind, I am going to give you, the Casual Progressive Sports Fan (or Non-Fan), ten reasons why you should like hockey.
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