We followed and cheered for several teams last year, not becuase we shunned our hometown Blackhawks but because the sport itself is exciting enough to follow more broadly and deeply than just one team. Also, the current market for coverage is such that it's next to impossible to really follow a team you cannot see, but there are lots of games you CAN see depending on your cable package and/or free network and Fox coverage in the US, and what regional stuff that coverage includes.

That doesn't mean one can't still root for the home team, but getting more familiar with the players, teams, coaching, and playing styles they will play against doesn't hurt, either. Just because we watch a team the Hawks will play-- and enjoy doing that-- doesn't mean we don't hate that team's guts and curse 'em for every faceoff won and goal scored. :~)

~Susan