When you think of hockey hotbeds, your mind probably jumps straight to places like Minnesota or Michigan. But some sneaky U.S. cities are living and breathing the sport more than you’d ever guess—places where the ice runs deep even if the winters don’t.
Whether it’s a college town, a surprising southern market, or a spot with a fierce minor league following, these cities are riding the hockey hype harder than anyone gives them credit for. So lace up those skates and get ready to be shocked—these 15 cities are lowkey hockey-obsessed.
15. Boise, Idaho
You wouldn’t expect it, but Boise packs the stands for Idaho Steelheads games like it’s Game 7 of the Cup. For a town surrounded by mountains, they’ve sure built a serious hockey culture.
14. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa might not scream hockey, but the Oilers have carved out a die-hard following. It’s got that perfect mix of scrappy, passionate, and deeply loyal fans.
13. Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah Grizzlies fans go all in—cowbells, jerseys, chants, you name it. And with whispers of NHL expansion, the city’s hockey fever is only growing.
12. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah and hockey don’t seem like a natural match, but the Ghost Pirates flipped the script. It’s spooky how quickly the locals fell in love with the game.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
The Golden Knights lit the fuse, but Vegas turned into a full-blown hockey madhouse overnight. You’ll find more VGK jerseys on the Strip than Elvis impersonators.
10. Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Komets are basically royalty in Fort Wayne, with a following that spans generations. It’s minor league, but the passion is major league.
9. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage lives and breathes hockey, from youth leagues to the pros. It’s cold, dark, and perfect for developing some serious puck love.
8. Tucson, Arizona
It might be the desert, but Tucson’s AHL Roadrunners have rallied a strong community of puckheads. Who knew a cactus and a slapshot could go so well together?
7. Hershey, Pennsylvania
The town might be famous for chocolate, but it’s also a hockey mecca thanks to the Hershey Bears. Sweet treats and hard hits make for an unexpectedly awesome combo.
6. Greenville, South Carolina
The Swamp Rabbits may have a quirky name, but their fan base is legitimate. Hockey has found its southern charm in Greenville, and the crowds prove it.
5. Wichita, Kansas
You’d think college hoops rule here, but the Thunder’s hockey crowd holds its own. This city shows up loud, proud, and ready to brawl on the boards.
4. Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester has long been a hockey haven, and the Monarchs left a lasting legacy. Even without an AHL team now, the city’s still buzzing with puck pride.
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3. Toledo, Ohio
Toledo Walleye games are rowdy, packed, and full of blue-collar intensity. It’s hockey with grit, attitude, and surprisingly great attendance.
2. Glens Falls, New York
This small upstate town goes wild for its local hockey scene. Don’t let the size fool you—Glens Falls loves hockey like it’s the only sport in town.
1. Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo doesn’t just like hockey—it lives for it. From high school tournaments to the Fargo Force, the whole town rallies around the rink with unstoppable energy.
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