Boston Bruins fans have plenty to be happy about with their team off to a good start, and they can be proud of themselves now, too.
Forbes ranked the NHL’s best fans for the second straight year, and B’s fans cracked the top five with a third-place finish. The Black and Gold were bested by Pittsburgh Penguins fans, who’ve taken the top spot in each of the three years Forbes has done the list, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
The results were based on hometown crowd reach, television ratings, arena attendance, merchandise sales and social media reach. The Bruins had the most expensive cost per fan at $444.13 for four average-priced tickets, concessions, merchandise, parking and a program, but fans still filled TD Garden to capacity. TV ratings on NESN also were the third-best in the league.
The Bruins beat their rival Montreal Canadiens by one spot, so Boston fans can take pride in that, too.
It should come as no surprise the list was comprised mostly of teams out of Canada, where hockey is the national sport. The Habs (No. 4), Toronto Maple Leafs (No. 5), Vancouver Canucks (No. 6), Edmonton Oilers (No. 9) and Calagary Flames (No. 10) all clinched spots on the list along with the Detroit Red Wings (No. 7) and Buffalo Sabres (No. 8).
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
