NHL Fans Take Over Melbourne for Global Fan Tour
Melbourne, Australia – The city of Melbourne was swept up in a wave of NHL excitement over the weekend as fans from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the NHL Global Fan Tour. From the bustling Queen Victoria Market to the heart of the Central Business District, the city was adorned with hockey gear, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in Australia.
One of the highlights of the event was the activities held outside the iconic Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park. Fans eagerly participated in various hockey-themed games and experiences, immersing themselves in the world of NHL.
The event brought together an interesting mix of expats and Aussies, all united by their love for the game. Kyle Webb, from the remote northwest coast of Tasmania, was one such fan. Despite being far from the NHL action, Webb has found his passion for ice hockey and is a devoted Los Angeles Kings supporter. Having already traveled to the United States to watch his favorite team in action, Webb shared his excitement about seeing them in his home country.
“It’s a massive opportunity,” Webb exclaimed. “I see it now as an area where the game will grow as well because little kids now are going into street hockey as well. A lot of people that play field hockey are getting more interested as well.”
Webb’s sentiments were echoed by Seamus Jones, who traveled all the way from the capital city of Canberra. Jones discovered the NHL through video games and quickly fell in love with the high-paced sport.
“I’ve played ice hockey – not very well,” Jones chuckled. “We’re in a country where it’s mainly desert, but that hasn’t stopped me from being a passionate fan of the sport.”
The NHL Global Fan Tour provided an opportunity for fans like Webb and Jones to come together and celebrate their shared excitement for the game. It also highlighted the growing interest in ice hockey in Australia, with more and more Australian kids taking up street hockey and individuals from other sports, such as field hockey, becoming intrigued by the sport.
As the Melbourne event came to a close, the NHL Global Fan Tour left a lasting impression on the city, further fueling the hopes of fans that professional ice hockey may find a permanent place in the Australian sports landscape.