Andy, following along with what Vinman said, I was a child, but I followed Italy at WC 1970, because my father flew to Mexico City to watch I Azzurri. I wondered where the USA team was. In 1974 and 1978 I was able to better understand what the WC was all about, and I followed Italy still as I wondered if USA had a soccer team. In 1982 I watched Italy lift the trophy . . . still no USA. In 1986 I attended matches in Mexico including Italy v. France, but I could not help but notice that USA still had no team. By 1989 when I heard the USA team was playing a WC qualifier, I already had 20 years of Italia supporting under my belt.
So, I ask you this - If State College, PA gets an NHL team are you going to suddenly drop the Red Wings?