Had 10 game per season tickets to the Stars while living in Dallas for a couple years. The NHL is absolutely my favorite of the major sports to watch in person.
I get the impression NHL fans tend to appreciate good talent regardless of what bench it’s sitting on. Saw Jaromir Jagr play in Dallas I think last year or the year before. Got a standing ovation when he scored if I recall correctly. Can’t remember what milestone that represented precisely but the dude definitely showed that experience can counter youthful exuberance in many ways.
That had to be fun to also watch Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
It was quite the feat of athleticism from Jagr for him to play at the level he did for so long. His work ethic and off ice conditioning was legendary.
He had his own keys to the Pittsburgh rink and other rinks of teams he played for so he could work out and skate at all hours of the day and night.
For sure, that's more often the case that fans of hockey can appreciate the talent and skill of all players.
I can even appreciate some of the Leafs players
even though I despise the 'team'.