I’ve been a fan of ice hockey for as long as I can remember. As a youngster playing street hockey, staying up late to watch the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals between the New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks, or going to watch the ECHL (and then AHL) Norfolk Admirals play at Scope Arena. The pace of the game, the skill and finesse required, and yes, even the excitement of the fights, had me hooked.

Then I realized, nobody cares. Hockey is a marginalized sport in the United States, whereas in Canada it’s considered sacred. Apply that same principle to soccer, then tell me how many Kansas City Wizards fans you know. The MLS and NHL are both “lesser” sports in the eyes of the American public, but that’s changing. You’ll see vociferous fans of both sports around if you look hard enough, and their fanbases are growing.

Along those lines, an interesting turn of events has taken place recently. George Gillet, co-owner of my favorite squad in the English Premier League, Liverpool FC, has recently ceded his 80% share of the Montreal Canadiens to the Molson family for an estimated $550 million. Pending approval from the league, this move would give Molson complete control over the team, Bell Centre arena, and the Gillet Entertainment Group since they already have 20% stake.

Gillet’s partner at Liverpool is Tom Hicks, owner of the Dallas Stars. Hockey’s success in the South has been growing, with fans in Dallas seeing several playoff games over the years thanks to the team’s success. Home attendance for Nashville Predators has risen since their humble beginnings, also more than likely due to playoff appearances. And when teams do well, people pay attention.

Take, for instance, the United States’ 2-0 win yesterday over Spain in the Confederations Cup. While the Cup is a prelude to World Cup action next year, a victory over one of the best national teams in the world might raise a few eyebrows, re-energize the fanbase, and introduce others to the game.

If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m on a tangent. Point is, Molson bought the Canadiens. Beer and hockey. That is all. Good day.