Puck Paradise: Boston Is The Best City For Hockey Fanatics
Hockey fans are a passionate bunch. From the moment they step into the arena, they bring the energy. Decked out in gear, hockey fans exude passion as they cheer, shout, and embrace the rollercoaster of emotions that each game brings. But which city is the best for hockey fans?
WalletHub, the personal finance website released its latest report on the best cities for hockey fans. How did they figure out which cities are a dream come true for hockey lovers? They compared 75 U.S. cities based on two divisional categories, professional and college hockey, across 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from the performance level of the city’s teams to minimum season ticket prices to stadium capacity.
Boston is the #1 best city for hockey fans.
Boston took home the gold for hockey fans, claiming the top spot. Interestingly, it outshines Pittsburgh, which takes 2nd, and Detroit which ranked 3rd. New York secured fourth place. Boston racked up impressive scores for NHL Teams Performance, but the report also pointed out that city has one of the steepest NHL Game Ticket Price Averages.
Other Massachusetts cities like Amherst (49), Cambridge (54), Waltham (58), Springfield (59), Lowell (61), North Andover (66), Worcester (72), and even Easton (72) all made their mark in the rankings too.
What about the worst cities for hockey fans?
According to the site’s latest list, Tempe, Arizona and Burlington, Vermont seems to be not-so-great cities for hockey fans. They landed right at the bottom of the rankings. Tempe secured the 74th spot and Burlington didn’t fare much better at 75 ranking.
Check out their full ranking and report here.
What Are Boston's Most Iconic Jersey Numbers?
#4
Hall of Famer, Bobby Orr. A two-time Stanley Cup champion. In hockey, Orr is synonymous with the number four. And not just because it rhymes.
For the Red Sox, Joe Cronnin has his #4 retired.
(PS- Bailey Zappe)
#9
“Teddy Ballgame.” Ted Williams. spent his entire 19-year career with the Red Sox and remains the last player to hit .400.
For the Bruins, hall of famer Johnny Bucyk wore #9 for over 20 years. It, too, is retired by the Bruins.
#12
The Goat’s entire brand contains his infamous number. TB12 had six rings in a Patriots uniform. At this point, its hard to imagine a football player in New England — or anywhere else — that will ever be more accomplished than Tom Brady.
Ellis Burks sported #12 for the Red Sox.
Brian Rolston was #12 during his stints with the Bruins. Regardless, it’s hard to find a supporting cast for Brady here. Then again, does he need one?
#24
Manny Ramirez, Red Sox left fielder 2001-2008. Few things compared to a Manny bomb over the “Green Monster.” Ramirez was the 2004 World Series MVP.
Ty Law, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots wore #24 as well. He is in the Patriots Hall of Fame, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Bruins retired Terry O’Reilly’s #24. He was a fan-favorite who was widely known for his relentless effort.
#33
Nobody in sports thinks of #33 without Larry Bird popping up. The Celtics 33 jersey is an iconic look that will forever represent the game of basketball. It was retired in 1993.
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek also wore #33. The team’s fourth captain, he was a crucial component to both the 2004 and 2007 World Series teams. He’s currently part of the coaching staff and still sporting #33.
Zdeno Chára, wore #33 during his 14 seasons with the Bruins. This has the potential to be the next number the Bruins hang in the rafters.
#34
David Ortiz rocked #34 for his entire Red Sox career. Ortiz had his number retired in 2017. A three-time world series champion and 10-time all-star, “Big Papi” is arguably the most loved player in the franchise’s history.
#34 was raised in the TD Garden in honor of “The Truth.” Paul Peirce was #34 during his 15 seasons with the Celtics. He was the cornerstone of the big three that won the championship in 2008. Pierce was also the MVP of that NBA finals.
