[Meatspace]

That’s an icy question.

[RegulatorCountry]

I’ve heard it described as Yankee NASCAR, they just go round and round and the fans are only there for the fights.

[pnut22]

Obvious reason is you can’t play it in the back yard.

[Bob434]

because global warming melted all our ice

[johniegrad]

It is popular and interest is growing. Not that long ago no one would have dreamed there was old be teams in Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, or Nevada.

I think that almost anyone who watched Stanley Cup playoffs would be quite impressed with the NHL and I find the majority of hockey players and fans more compatible with conservative views than baseball, basketball, and football. I think interest is growing.

[Sacajaweau]

Mom said you had a nice smile.

[caver]

I’m not sure hockey is one of the four big sports.

Baseball
Football
Basketball
Soccer
Field & Track
Boxing
Nascar(I don’t think this a sport)
Tennis
Golf
Hunting & Fishing

[Texas Eagle]

Because nobody understands "icing" or "off sides" which is what the referees always call whenever anything called a "goal" happens.

A goal in hockey is like Bigfoot. People claim to have seen one but there's never been any actual evidence of one.

[jjotto]

I take it you don’t live very far north in the US. Even a place like Des Moines, Iowa, area has a lot of hockey fans.

[philman_36]

Why doesn't it get much attention?

I don't watch hockey so I haven't an answer for you. /irony

[datura]

1. Because most Americans do not know or understand the rules of hockey.

2. Because hockey matches are typically low scoring affairs. (See soccer or baseball.)

3. Because it is not seen as an “American” sport.

Why isn’t rugby more popular?

[ObozoMustGo2012]

Because Americans are stupid and would rather watch boring ass sports like football and basketball...

Hockey is awesome!!

[Drawsing]

For me, it is because I cannot see and follow the puck because it is so small and moves so fast.

[libertylover]

I would rate hockey at the lowest of the 4 big sports.

I would imagine that soccer would say they are in the top 4 sports instead of hockey. Worldwide, soccer is the most popular sport. I don't care for hockey or soccer really, but I like hockey better. In soccer they spend half the time moving the ball up a gigantic field and only score occasionally.

[Nifster]

Football
Basketball
Baseball

[HamiltonJay]

Why?

Simple, it just soccer on ice... faster paced, but same fundamental game.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

A lack of star-power and dynasties in major media centers. Look at the NBA just prior to Magic and Bird getting drafted - pretty much the same situation as the NHL and probably worse. But bringing a charismatic superstar to LA and his arch-rival to Boston built up interest throughout the ‘80s, and the arrival of Jordan in the NBA cemented it.

[Fresh Wind]

Ask Slick Willy, he knows a lot about ice.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Too many other sports, better sports.

American-made and perfected. Baseball, Football, Basketball.

Nothing else is even close

[crusty old prospector]

I live in Texas. The only TV sports that I watch are Big 12 Football and the Dallas Stars.