Hockey in Chicago and Chicago suburbs (Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove: estate, home, suburban)

[HockeyFan]

As a die-hard hockey fan who's really looking to be somewhere where hockey is more a part of the culture than in SoCal... how does hockey rank in Chicago? Is it on par with the other three major sports? Is it followed at some level by most people/sports fans, or is it a cult following?

Very interested in hearing how hockey ranks in the Chicago area's culture.

(apologies to not posting this in Chicago or Chicago suburbs, but I am looking equally for replies from both the city and the suburbs -- thanks!)

[JerichoHW]

Hm I think in Suburban Culture Hockey is big, The minor league team, the wolves, seems to be more popular the the NHl team the Blackhawks.

[HockeyFan]

Yeah, it seems it's big in the suburbs, with families in particular. What about 20s and 30s in the city itself? And the suburban interest -- it's pretty strong, is it?

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

Yeah, it seems it's big in the suburbs, with families in particular. What about 20s and 30s in the city itself? And the suburban interest -- it's pretty strong, is it?

The City is more or less Football, Baseball and Basketball even amongst the 20's and 30's.

However in the burbs' It is quite popular especially in the West and Southwest Suburbs There seems to be a new Ice Arena going up everyday . I'd say it's more of a 30's thing but there is support amongst the 20's to. The North burbs' I would say are mainly baseball.

[HockeyFan]

So now, I just need to find a west or southwest suburb where a early 30s single fits in -- any suggestions?

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

So now, I just need to find a west or southwest suburb where a early 30s single fits in -- any suggestions?

Hmm I know you have allergies, La Grange Maybe or Hoffman Estates which has the Sears Center arena.

[thePR]

As far as sports in Chicago go, baseball and football are number one then basketball and soccer and hockey are low.

Part of this is because the president (or some other high position) didn't allow home games to be aired on tv for the longest time. That and them losing a lot didn't help.

[RRConductor76]

Lisle,Downers Grove, maybe Lemont. When people gave a shat about Hockey, those towns had the die hards.

[Steve-o]

Hockey isnt nearly as popular here as baseball or football, but still has a decently large following. There are tons of ice arenas in the area, and all of them are very nice IMO (the Edge, Seven Bridges, etc).

And whoever said the Wolves are more popular than the Blackhawks I would have to disagree with. Even on the lowest attendance nights at the UC, there are still more fans than youll find at the Allstate. The Hawks are alive again, no doubt our fanbase renewed by Bill's death and Rocky's incredible management re-shuffling. John McDonough is on board, attendance is way up (even selling out many games with SRO tickets also sold out), merchandise sales are through the roof, and tons of young talent on the Hawks (Kane, Toews, Wisniewski, Byfuglien, Skille, Havlat, Sharp, Keith, etc).

[aragx6]

I agree with Steve-o - to me this has seemed like the first year I've seen people really get back into Hockey since the shut out. I read also that attendance is way way up.