Hockey is way bigger than football in Alaska, centered around Anch & Fairbks; reason is UAA, UAF, various Juniors, and to lesser extent ECHL; strong HS & youth hockey orgs spin off. Now you have a few NHL stars coming from Ak and many more playing in AHL, ECHL, and Juniors.
The state built outdoor rinks in every village back in 80's oil wealth days but they have since fell into disrepair. They do seem to find the money to build indoor rinks though, alot of political support for it too. Palin's,(current gov) kids played hockey and she has pushed the financial support. I heard they now have twenty some indoor rinks around the burgh, that and youth hockey is where it all begins.
Way back before we moved to Ak, we lived outside Meadville and the youth hockey program there was huge. I figure hockey will really grow in those dozen counties that surround Pittsburgh (suburbs) over the years to come as a spin off from Pens.
Much as I hated seeing Armstrong & Christiansen traded, I see why they wanted Hossa for playoffs, man he's tough. He's sure snakebit in playoffs, how about last night's game; couldn't believe it.