[wickabee]

I disagree. Texas and SoCal actually have some pretty deep hockey histories of their own. Nashville has really seemed to embrace the team over the years. 2 teams in the Greater LA area do not too badly. Snowbirds from Canada have been able to sustain Tampa, though not Phoenix. Florida Panthers fans are responsible for a rule about throwing copious amounts of crap (mice) onto the ice after a goal. The fact they come and go based on the team's performance has nothing to do with where they are. I seem to remember a team having to move to the sunbelt because a snow covered wastland couldn't be bothered to buy tickets anymore when the team sucked.

Hockey belongs wherever there are people.