Tiger Woods was recently quoted via teleconference as saying “I don’t think anyone really watches hockey anymore.” As a Red Wings fan, this infuriates me and makes me wish Darren McCarty would cross check him.

As a neutral observer on the other hand, his statement is just inaccurate. Ratings for Game 5 were the highest they’ve been in six years. Additionally, Detroiters spent most of the playoffs choosing between the Pistons and the Wings who generally played on the same nights often with the Tigers as well. Game 4 of the Stanley Cup drew higher ratings in Detroit than the Pistons-Celtics game and ratings for the Cup overall are up from previous years.

Furthermore, Woods’ statement is a reflection of the egocentric American sports viewpoint. Arbitrarily saying hockey doesn’t matter is along (though not exactly) the same lines as saying soccer doesn’t matter just because Americans aren’t fanatical about it. Please, Tiger, go to Canada and tell them hockey doesn’t matter. There is a niche for small time sports in the U.S. too – MLS, WNBA and even perhaps the NHL if that is its role.

Every sport has its hay day too. The MLB has struggled in the past. Golf was arguably struggling before Tiger debuted. Boxing may never be what it was. Even the NBA is lacking a certain Jordanesque stature nowadays. Many sports have been resurrected by the dynamism of one player and Tiger should know that more than anyone else. I wonder who that might be for the NHL? Really, I can’t think of anyone at the moment. Who will be the new, young upstart face of hockey? Oh yeah! Darren Helm, right?

Editor’s Note: According to the National Hockey League, fans consumed more streaming video on NHL.com following Game 6 than at any other time in the site’s history; and NBC reports that it earned a 3.8 overnight rating and a 7 share for Game 5, the highest overnight rating of any Stanley Cup Final game in six years.  According to the facts, Tiger, looks like plenty of people still watch hockey. According to the facts, Tiger, looks like you don’t know what you’re talking about. In the future, I suggest you stick to your putting.