"Hockey was non-existant here in NC 10 years ago"
Now you're talking about a real sport. For sheer excitement and intensity, I don't think anything matches a playoff game 7 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's what the folks down here in NC found out (btw, where in NC are you?)
Imagine playing football 3 times per week. The physical demands of hockey are on a par with football (imho). And that's probably not a fair comparison given that in a football game there is actually only about 8 minutes or so of actual "ball in play" time.
Or think about playing basketball at twice the speed. The need for balance, grace, and, yes, brute strength in sudden bursts is a far greater necessity in hockey than in basketball.
And hockey requires some of the same hand-eye coordination of baseball (nothing will ever compare to hitting a 90+ mph pitch--nothing).
And if you like boxing...
I live in Greensboro. Yes game 7 was an awesome game! I plan on trying to visit a few Canes games next year. My In-Laws are from Raleigh and they love the Canes more than I love the Dallas Cowboys! I think the physical demands of hockey are among the highest out there. I've only skated a few times but it was definately a workout.