There’s no doubt Saskatchewan loves hockey.
The province consistently produces NHL talent and supports junior teams with real passion. So, would an NHL team succeed here? Emotionally, yes. Logistically, it’s more complicated.
Saskatchewan has the heart, but not the numbers. With under 600,000 people in its two largest cities combined, it's smaller than Winnipeg — the NHL’s smallest market — and would face similar financial hurdles. SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon would also need major upgrades or replacement to meet NHL standards, requiring public funding that's tough to justify.
Still, the idea isn’t impossible. A provincial team, much like the Roughriders in football, the Rush in Lacrosse and the Rattlers in Basketball could rally fans from across Saskatchewan.
But for now, without a new arena or major private investment, passion alone won’t bring the NHL to the Prairies — at least not yet.
