When I talk to my friends who live in the northern climates, they are surprised that hockey exists in the warmer locales, especially in a non-traditional market such as the Phoenix Valley. Many more wonder just when the sport will take hold and move up in popularity. In fact, there are some people in the Valley that think hockey is not that well-received down here.

Growth doesn’t just happen - it takes time. The Coyotes have been in the Phoenix Valley for the better part of a decade, but it’s only when the grassroots take hold of the sport will it grow. When younger athletes begin choosing hockey as their preferred sport, then the fan base will expand as well. Winning the Stanley Cup will cause a huge spike in interest, but until that happens, interest in hockey as a recreational sport will create the culture that the franchise needs.

Therefore, when Lynndy Smith from Glendale, Arizona begins talking about her desire to achieve success in the USA Women’s Hockey development program, it is definitely good news for the growth of hockey here. I hope she does well.

Original post by PB

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