Are you new to hockey after watching the Olympics or the series More Than Rivals, and wondering where to start with the NHL? We’ve got you covered! We offer a dictionary and a comprehensive guide, and we’ve assembled a “super-team” of fans (like the Avengers) to introduce you to each team. Please note, this is a passionate and subjective view, written by dedicated followers. In this installment, we explore the Central Division, one of the four NHL divisions.
Chicago Blackhawks – Chicago, Illinois, USA
Fan: Marcos López
How I became a fan:
Marcos started following hockey in the 90s and connected with the Blackhawks after watching the movie “Curly Sue,” set in Chicago.
History:
One of the “Original Six” founders in 1926, the team was named by Frederic McLaughlin in honor of his World War I military division, which in turn honored a Native American chief. After winning titles in 1934 and 1938 and enduring difficult decades, Rocky Wirtz’s management in the 21st century led to a standout NHL dynasty.
Curious fact:
The U.S. national anthem before games is a highly emotional moment, sung and cheered from start to finish, fueled by the powerful voice of opera singer Jim Cornelison.
Star player:
The team’s future is built around Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft, considered a generational talent with the potential to define an era in the NHL.
Why become a fan?:
They are one of the league’s founders, boast an iconic logo and jerseys (especially the returning black), and are expected to add more Stanley Cups to their collection soon.
Colorado Avalanche – Denver, Colorado, USA
Fans: Pedro (@Peter_Cervezas on X) and David Puga (@davisuko_R1 on Twitter)
How I became a fan:
Both fans discovered the Avalanche through NHL video games in the 90s and early 2000s. David was drawn by the team’s colors matching FC Barcelona and the snow-related logo, while Pedro got hooked by players like Sakic and Forsberg.
History:
The franchise relocated from the Quebec Nordiques to Denver in 1995 and, remarkably, won the Stanley Cup in its very first season in Colorado (1995-96). They later added two more cups in 2001 and 2022. The Avalanche have maintained a reputation as a competitive team throughout the years.
Curious fact:
Denver is located approximately 1600 meters (about a mile) above sea level, giving them a competitive advantage when playing at home. Their most intense historical rivalry was with the Detroit Red Wings in the late 90s and early 2000s, including a famous massive brawl in 1997. Currently, David views the Minnesota Wild as their primary rival.
Star player:
Nathan MacKinnon is the top star, considered one of the best players in the world for his speed, power, and raw talent. Cale Makar is widely recognized as the NHL’s best defenseman, noted for his game vision and strong defensive and offensive capabilities.
Why become a fan?:
The Avalanche represent “pure passion, snow sweeping through wherever they go.” They offer a deep connection to the city of Denver and an always exciting team with the potential for continued success.
Dallas Stars – Dallas, Texas, USA
Fan: Inés A. (@osodegominola on Twitter)
How I became a fan:
Inés started following the NHL during Chicago’s golden era and developed an affection for the Stars, who at the time played an offensive and entertaining style.
History:
The franchise was originally the Minnesota North Stars before relocating to Dallas in 1993. This has created a notable rivalry with the current Minnesota team. The Stars famously won the Stanley Cup in 1999 against the Buffalo Sabres.
Curious fact:
The team is known as “Dallas is Finland” due to the presence of five high-quality Finnish players, including Heiskanen and Rantanen. Although Texas is not traditionally a hockey state, the Stars’ arena is usually packed, and fans are very passionate, creating an incredible atmosphere during the playoffs.
Star player:
The Stars are characterized by playing as a cohesive unit, without a single dominant star. However, on defense, Miro Heiskanen is a standout player for his defensive skill and offensive contributions. Upfront, Rantanen and Robertson are key players to watch. The team prides itself on having over nine players surpass 20 goals in a season.
Why become a fan?:
Inés playfully suggests becoming a fan “for the laughs,” joking about how the green jersey “matches the black color your soul turns after losing conference final after conference final.” Despite the disappointments, she enjoys the process and has had the satisfaction of “silencing critics.”
Minnesota Wild – Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Fans of the Wild, please contact us!
Nashville Predators – Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Fan: Jordi Corrales
How I became a fan:
Jordi was drawn to the Predators in the early 2000s, possibly because they were a new franchise at the time, and has been a supporter ever since.
History:
After initial years as one of the league’s weaker teams, the Predators evolved into a formidable opponent, though without desired playoff success. Their peak moment was the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost in six games to the Penguins, a Game 6 that Jordi feels was “stolen.”
Curious fact:
Nashville is a very popular city for visiting fans, known for its lively atmosphere, being the country music capital, and having a loud and passionate arena. The team’s rivalry was with Detroit until the conference realignment, then shifted focus to Chicago.
Star player:
The team’s cornerstones are captain Roman Josi (Switzerland) and Filip Forsberg (Sweden), both expected to represent their countries in the Olympics. Their starting goaltender will also be Finland’s starter. If something good happens for the Predators, it will likely involve them.
Why become a fan?:
The Predators are an excellent choice for European fans, as they feature some of the continent’s best talents. Furthermore, it offers the chance to experience the vibrant city of Nashville and the unique atmosphere of Bridgestone Arena.
St. Louis Blues – St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Fan: Alfredo (@comentacollins on X)
How I became a fan:
Alfredo started following the NHL in the 80s, and although he initially liked the Red Wings, the arrival of Brett Hull to the Blues in the 90s, their entertaining hockey style (even joined by Wayne Gretzky), turned him into a loyal follower. The 2018-19 Stanley Cup victory was an immense joy.
History:
The Blues joined the NHL as an expansion team almost 60 years ago and boast a strong fanbase across the country. Legendary figures such as Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Scotty Bowman, Ken Hitchcock, Grant Fuhr, Paul Kariya, and Jacques Plante have been part of the team as players or coaches.
Curious fact:
One of the most memorable feats in NHL history was the Blues’ 2018-19 season. After being last in the entire league in January, they achieved a miracle by winning the Stanley Cup, driven by coach Berube and key players like O’Reilly, Pat Maroon, Tarasenko, and an outstanding Jordan Binnington.
Star player:
Currently, the team is in a rebuilding phase, with hopes placed on young talents like Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg (from the Oilers), who are expected to become very important. Veterans like Parayko and Schenn still contribute significantly, and Jordan Binnington, despite being controversial, is considered a Top 5 goalie in the league. Much is also expected from Swedish prospect Love Harenstam.
Why become a fan?:
For new fans, Alfredo assures that the Blues are doing things right and will soon return as a winning team that will bring “great joys.”
Utah Mammoth – Salt Lake City, Utah
Fan: Crystal Ingram
How I became a fan:
Crystal and her boyfriend discovered their love for hockey at an ECHL game. Six weeks later, the Arizona Coyotes moved to Utah, and since the welcome event, Crystal and her family have been all-in, even having a hockey-themed wedding.
History:
While most players and staff come from the former Arizona Coyotes, the Coyotes’ history did not transfer. The Utah Mammoth are technically an expansion team founded in April 2024, blending novelty with existing experience for a promising future.
Curious fact:
The Mammoth do not yet have official rivalries, but Colorado is expected to be their primary contender. Their mascot, Tusky, is the newest in the league, dramatically introduced by breaking a block of ice.
Star player:
The team features emerging stars and underrated players. Captain Clayton Keller led the U.S. to a gold medal in the 2025 World Championship. Nick Schmaltz leads the league in stick checks, while Logan Cooley remains a key scorer despite injuries. However, Dylan Guenther is the player who excites Crystal the most: a natural scorer with a powerful shot, who scored the Mammoth’s first goal and has been a league leader in game-winning goals over the past two years, significantly improving defensively and on special teams.
Why become a fan?:
The Utah Mammoth are a dynamic and entertaining team, destined for great things. Their players are “good guys with huge hearts,” already making a mark in the community. The team is expected to reach the playoffs soon and lift the Stanley Cup in the not-too-distant future, making following them a rewarding and character-filled experience.
Winnipeg Jets – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Fans of the Jets, please contact us!
