I dunno if I agree, based on the '40-'78 continuous run. I think what's going on is the hockey fans in Cleveland feel they should have an NHL team and are simply rejecting minor league hockey. That's what they'll tell you, anyway. KC is a another town that supported minor league hockey for many years, but recently lost their team due to lack of support, yet is being mentioned as the next hot NHL city. Houston is another town that wants NHL hockey, but the support for minor league hockey, while consistent, is mediocre attendance-wise. Amongst those cities, I'd rate Cleveland's chances as third.
