The Anti-Hockey crowd doesnt know anything except I don't like hockey and facts mean nothing.
Let me give you my perspective. I grew up playing BBall, watched the NBA/College. Followed it religiously! My son started playing hockey nine years ago. I knew NOTHING about hockey. Now learning the game and nuances of the game I don't watch BBall except NDSU at all. Basketball now bores me. Hockey is so much more exciting to watch live or on TV. No comparison between the two.
Hockey is growing regionally, more kids can participate with the increased ice and also with increased High Schools being added. If your kid wants a chance to play varsity sports, he/she will have a much greater opportunity to play hockey than basketball.
The bigger the youth participation, the more the demand will be for a team in the future. Currently most kids that play support UND hockey. most of what you see at a hockey rink is UND hats/jerseys ect... My son does not support UND we have rules in my house
Someone mentioned earlier about fighting. I have watched roughly 80-90 NHL games this year and have seen one small fight. The game has changed. That stuff is almost entirely out of the game.
I respect and understand the hockey is dumb/stupid sport crowd. It used to be me. You can't respect the game if you truly don't understand how skillful you have to be to play it.
Last thing, I don't think now is the time for a NDSU hockey team but I do think it will be sometime in the near future. It all comes down to where you would find the money. Which makes it a difficult proposition.