You live in Wisconsin and you don't follow hockey? You're practically in the hotbed of amateur American hockey right there. Quebec moved to Colorado and was renamed the Avalanche about 5-7 years ago. Thought I'd yank Steven's chain a bit if he's a hockey fan (and when you're town is winning Cups you almost have to be.)
Hockey is a game that is hard to understand unless you watch a game with someone who understands the rules and nuances. It's very difficult to pick up by yourself. And it's a game that is immensly better in person than it is on TV. You get to yell at the players and the refs. Especially the refs. In no other sport are the refs known by name and their introduction on the PA can cause an entire arena to groan. A few years back the NHL actually took the names of the refs OFF of the jerseys. Where else on God's green (er, white) earth can you stand up in public and yell "Hit 'em with your purse!" to a sissy boy trying to be tough? Where else can you give nuggets of wisdom to the players like "Shoot!" and "Hit Somebody!"?
SD
I think hockey lacks a higher profile in Wisconsin because there is no NHL franchise. The University of Wisconsin team does not get much attention in my part of the state. There are some minor league franchises that draw pretty well. I have a nephew who plays hockey and who is pretty good at it. I guess since I didn't grow up with it, I never developed an interest in the sport.