The Official Ranking of NHL Teams Montanans Love the Most

Montana doesn't have an NHL franchise, but that doesn't mean the state isn't filled with die-hard hockey fans. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs in full swing, it's time to talk about the most popular professional hockey teams in Big Sky Country.

These Are the Most Popular NHL Teams in Montana. Did Your Team Make the Cut?

There's one team that skates ahead of the rest in Montana, the Vegas Golden Knights. Golden Knights jerseys are a common sight in Montana, especially during playoff season.

VGK isn't the only team with a huge fan base in the state. According to a 2022 fanbase analysis by Vivid Seats, the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals also have fans in Montana.

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Access to watching NHL games is a key factor in Montana's fandom. In 2023, the Golden Knights partnered with Scripps Sports on a multi-year agreement, so Montana residents can watch most games throughout the season on regular television.

The Golden Knights joined the NHL in 2017 and have quickly become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league. When the team hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2023, it cemented its place in the hearts of Montanans.

Some might argue that the Colorado Avalanche should be in the number one spot, and before VGK entered the league, that was the case. Many Montanans grew up watching the Avalanche. However, media partnerships and viewership have changed since the Golden Knights joined the league.

While Montanans may not agree on which team to cheer for, one thing is clear: hockey has a strong, passionate following here. Whether you're Avalanche proud, riding with the Flames, backing the Knights, or betting on the Kraken, there's room on the ice for every kind of fan.