I didnt say anything about the US fan base or the fact that hockey isnt popular here. TRUST ME I KNOW THIS. Even bowling and arena football get better TV ratings. That's not the point. Neither is how many world hockey championships Sweden, or Canada had. You asked about the World Cup. The current world cup. And to say that the US is not a contender is ridiculous. With the NHL-level talent and younger team than the one in the Olympics, they rival that of Canada, Czech Republic, Russia and Sweden.