To each his own. I consider myself a die hard leafs fans as well as a fan of hockey. I spend my day on hockeybuzz, hockeydb, nhl.com and all the junior sites keeping up on all the action from the CHL, NHL and European leagues. But what makes it worth while for me is being attached to one team in particular. I follow all leafs prospects to see how they'll turn out. I follow prospects from this and next years draft in hopes that the Leafs will get a gem that will help potentially turn them into a quality team who may actually compete for a cup. Being a fan of hockey is great and once the leafs are eliminated, which usually doesn't take long, that is what I am. But it doesn't give you the same kind of reward. You don't jump out of your seat when a guy scores a huge goal in the playoffs because you think he's a good player. I've never been so invested in a game as I was in that game 7 Leafs loss to Boston a few years ago. I was devastated when they lost but if they would of won it would of been a great feeling. I can't imagine the excitement if the Leafs actually managed to win a cup in my lifetime. I just don't think you get that from just being a fan of hockey.

I think this was a great blog, well written and everything .. and it's true, I found myself tuning into Detroit games, Ottawa games, LA games if they were early, just because what's happening around the entire league is exciting.. but I still do watch every lightning game.. it's just a good time of the year right now to be watching whats going on around the entire league, it's fun!

Good read!
I respect what your saying but I personally find that having a team to root for makes watching the sport more enjoyable. I can't imagine not cheering for the Canucks or not really caring about the outcomes of games and playoff series. Sure its fun to watch great athletes go toe to toe but its more enjoyable to actually care about a team through thick & thin.
But thats just my opinion

Good article Adam...

I watch allot of hockey because I love the game but I cheer for the Flames. I'm old enough to remember when they came to Calgary, went to a game in the standing "seats" as a kid and was hooked. Prior to the Flames coming here and growing up in Canada you were either a Leafs or Habs fan. (I'll leave who I cheered for out)

Hockey is the greatest sport on the planet and your allegiance to a team shouldn't take away from loving the game.

Adam French: Why I'm a Hockey Fan and Not A Fan of Teams
- AdamFrench

Distancing yourself from this franchise..smart move


But seriously, good read

Distancing yourself from this franchise..smart move


But seriously, good read
- Nucker101

Agree on both counts.

I don't consider myself less of a Leafs fan, but I have definitely been watching far less games this season than usual. With my girlfriend being a die-hard Red Wings fan, it's hard for me to argue we should be watching the Leafs mess when we could be watching the Wings actually matter.

For me, I am a Sabres fan through and through. It just would not seem the same if I had no rooting interest.

The Pomminville goal against Ottawa, The Drury and Afinogenov goals against the NYR. I remember distinctly where I was and what I was doing on those days.

The 4 straight Superbowl losses, the "No Goal", the Staph infection, the Bills playoff drought. Its about as low as you can get here in Buffalo at the moment, and this year is painful as I can remember. But in all honesty, when that time comes, if that time comes when a Buffalo team does touch the trophy, it is going to make it that much sweeter.

None of this would be the same if I didn't have a rooting interest.

Using the Leafs logo as clickbait, well done got me commenting here lol. As for the blog, I definitely hear you. I live in Niagara where it's either the Sabres or the Leafs with a smattering of Habs fans throughout. Not much variety. I never watched hockey growing up and picked the Leafs when I was in high school since they're the closest Canadian team and I've been hooked ever since.

Using the Leafs logo as clickbait, well done got me commenting here lol. As for the blog, I definitely hear you. I live in Niagara where it's either the Sabres or the Leafs with a smattering of Habs fans throughout. Not much variety. I never watched hockey growing up and picked the Leafs when I was in high school since they're the closest Canadian team and I've been hooked ever since.
- Conquest

it's like getting hooked on crack.....nothing good comes out of that addiction

it's like getting hooked on crack.....nothing good comes out of that addiction
- Symba007

cept awesome dave chappelle skits

Agree on both counts.

I don't consider myself less of a Leafs fan, but I have definitely been watching far less games this season than usual. With my girlfriend being a die-hard Red Wings fan, it's hard for me to argue we should be watching the Leafs mess when we could be watching the Wings actually matter.
- SolidGoldBricks

I'm with you, I may not have watched less, but I certainly dont enjoy watching or make it appointment television like in the past. Nobody likes the rebuild/tank season. they are not enjoyable. Its not like any Sabre or Leaf fan deep inside wants what is going on right now. They just know in order to have a shot at being good, they need to be at the bottom of the standings.

cept awesome dave chappelle skits
- Dozzer

Adam French: Why I'm a Hockey Fan and Not A Fan of Teams
- AdamFrench

you spell words better then Garth

you spell words better then Garth
- homiedclown

It's easier than expected

It's easier than expected
- AdamFrench

No offense meant to anyone here but hockey just isn't the same without a team or emotional attachment.

I doubt its possible to have the same level of attachment to "the sport" and its 1500 contracted players.

Don't get me wrong, I could watch hockey highlight reels 24/7 but only "my team" can get me to jump out of my seat, start yelling and send me on that emotional rollercoaster ride.

That said, I do feel very very fortunate that the team I root for has faired rather well over the last 10-12 years for the most part. I can imagine if you are continuously disappointed by your teams results/ drafting/ trades/ signings/ management/owner/coach decisions.. then, the total absence of hope & faith in your team can take its toll on your "passion".

The best part of the game is the mix of passion and skill, but you have to chose a side to fully enjoy it!

I am just the opposite. I don't really care to watch a game unless the Leafs are playing. I must admit though I don't watch the entire leaf game lately as I want them to lose (draft) and get nervous that they might pull out a win.
- sparky

So you're not a hockey fan?

Well aren't you special.

Only 1 and a half more weeks until the MLB season.
- KesselRules

Well aren't you special.
- hunglikeapuck

Go Habs Go

No offense meant to anyone here but hockey just isn't the same without a team or emotional attachment.

I doubt its possible to have the same level of attachment to "the sport" and its 1500 contracted players.

Don't get me wrong, I could watch hockey highlight reels 24/7 but only "my team" can get me to jump out of my seat, start yelling and send me on that emotional rollercoaster ride.

That said, I do feel very very fortunate that the team I root for has faired rather well over the last 10-12 years for the most part. I can imagine if you are continuously disappointed by your teams results/ drafting/ trades/ signings/ management/owner/coach decisions.. then, the total absence of hope & faith in your team can take its toll on your "passion".

The best part of the game is the mix of passion and skill, but you have to chose a side to fully enjoy it!
- Crying_Wrestler

Adam French: Why I'm a Hockey Fan and Not A Fan of Teams
- AdamFrench

really well done blog sir.

but as much as you will deny it, the apathy is definitely fueled by the Leafs wallowing in mediocrity for the last 10 years. If they were a contender, the apathy towards them and the NHL in general would not nearly be as ingrained in you as it has become.

Go Habs Go
- Garnie

really well done blog sir.

but as much as you will deny it, the apathy is definitely fueled by the Leafs wallowing in mediocrity for the last 10 years. If they were a contender, the apathy towards them and the NHL in general would not nearly be as ingrained in you as it has become.
- Crimsoninja

Peanut has done great work with your account.