>>We will be at the Stars game
>
>I'll thank you not to mention them around me agian <g>
>
>Theif!

Best thing to happen to Dallas [including the Cowburps]. As of last night, there have been close to 70 straight sellouts. It is absolutely amazing how much the temperate zones of the south are supporting all these teams. Hell, we have minor leagues all through the deep south with teams in towns that have populations of 30k or more. The list of cities is unbelievable. Get out your map and locate the following:

Texas: Corpus Christi [you gotta be kidding!], Killeen, Austin, Fort Worth [local], Lubbock, El Paso [Mexico border city!], Amarillo, Odessa [amazing], San Angelo, Waco, Abilene [last 2 just suspended operations, however].

Louisiana: Monroe, Shreveport, Lake Charles [please!], Alexandria

Mississippi: Tupelo [say what!]

All this because [IMO] Wayne Gretzky legitimized hockey in the south when he moved to the LA Kings. Then the Nordiques moved to Colorado, Northstars to Dallas, Jets to Phoenix, Whalers to Carolina. Then expansion to other southern cities. I just hope no other teams leave Canada.

ESPN is clueless when it comes to athlete of the century. The Great One did more for his sport than any other athlete did for theirs, including Ali, Jordon and Ruth. Baseball, boxing and basketball can be played anywhere and are not considered regional sports. Hockey used to be regional and for good reason. Hockey has exploded in the south, and Gretsky is a big reason for this.