The Production and Migration Geographies of Professional Hockey: 1970–2010

Abstract

Thirty years have passed since the National Hockey League (NHL) pushed out of its northern cradle. From 1942 to 1967, the NHL was confined to six cities, all northeast of Chicago; by 1979 the league had expanded into nontraditional hockey areas. Hockey enthusiasts encouraged the expansion of franchises to non-traditional markets as a significant step in broadening the base of hockey fans in the United States. Although studies have indicated a relationship between professional hockey presence and participation in recreational leagues, another significant measure might be contribution of nontraditional regions to professional leagues. This study examines the origins of players in the NHL from 1970 to 2010. Production from countries, state-level areas, and county-level areas is evaluated using comparisons of local production to population. Along with measures of spatial connectivity between players and teams, this analysis examines whether hockey has emerged as a national sport or if it remains regionalized. Data indicate a strengthening of production beyond traditional hockey regions with concentrations around existing franchises. The dominance of Canada in professional hockey has waned, as the United States and European nations have seen robust increases. Production in nontraditional regions remains marginal, however, even after several decades of hockey presence in those areas.

Keywords:

• labor migration
• regional identity
• sports geography

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen O'Connell

STEPHEN O'CONNELL is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway, AR 72035. E-mail: [email protected]. His research interests include cultural landscapes, recreation and tourism, and historical geography.