Hockey fans are a passionate bunch, and we love that about them. But let’s be real—some NHL fanbases are more unhinged than others.
Whether it’s relentless Twitter wars, never-ending excuses, or an unwavering belief that the refs are always out to get them, these fanbases have earned their spot on this list. So, lace up your skates (or grab some popcorn) and let’s dive into the chaos.
15. Carolina Hurricanes
The Canes might not have the biggest fanbase, but what they lack in size, they make up for in volume. Whether it’s their obsession with the Storm Surge or their refusal to acknowledge that their “Bunch of Jerks” gimmick is getting old, Canes fans are loud. They also take great joy in chirping northern markets, which is hilarious considering most of them probably hopped on the bandwagon in 2019.
14. Winnipeg Jets
It’s a small market with a massive chip on its shoulder. Jets fans operate under a “nobody respects us” complex, which would be more believable if they weren’t constantly trying to convince people that Winnipeg is a great place to live (spoiler: it’s not). They also have an undying love for Mark Scheifele, even when he does something blatantly suspension-worthy.
13. Vancouver Canucks
The definition of a rollercoaster fanbase. Canucks fans flip between “we’re winning the Cup” and “trade everyone and burn it all down” at least three times a season. They also hold the distinguished honor of literally rioting after losing a Stanley Cup Final—twice. If you ever want to see true chaos, just bring up Jim Benning’s tenure as GM in a room full of Canucks fans and watch the meltdown.
12. Edmonton Oilers
McDavid this, McDavid that. Oilers fans have one of the best players in NHL history but will still find a way to whine about how the league is conspiring against them. The playoff meltdowns are legendary, and if you dare suggest that Leon Draisaitl isn’t better than everyone else’s favorite player, you’ll have an army of Albertans in your mentions within minutes.
11. St. Louis Blues
Winning one Stanley Cup gave Blues fans an ego boost that has yet to wear off. They act like Gloria was some sacred moment in hockey history, and if you even hint that Jordan Binnington is an unhinged goaltender who loses his mind over the smallest things, prepare to be hit with a wave of excuses. Also, they hate the Avalanche with an irrational passion.
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
Leafs fans are basically the New York Yankees fans of hockey—just with a fraction of the success. Every year is “the year,” and every year ends in absolute heartbreak. But that doesn’t stop them from acting like their team is the center of the hockey universe. They also have an unmatched ability to overrate their own players. If you think you’re going to have a rational conversation about Mitch Marner or William Nylander, think again.
9. Boston Bruins
They win, they chirp. They lose, they chirp even more. Bruins fans love to play the underdog card despite having one of the most consistently successful franchises in modern history. Also, the Patrice Bergeron worship is next-level. If you even suggest that another player might be a better two-way forward, you’re instantly labeled a hater.
8. Minnesota Wild
For a fanbase that constantly reminds everyone that Minnesota is the “State of Hockey,” they sure don’t have much to show for it. Wild fans are ride-or-die for their team, but they have an obsession with convincing everyone else that they’re a “great hockey market.” Their biggest personality trait is being bitter that the North Stars moved to Dallas.
7. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal fans still think they run the league, despite the fact that they haven’t won a Cup since 1993. They live in the past, believe every French-Canadian player should be a Hab, and get incredibly defensive anytime someone suggests that Carey Price might not be the best goaltender of all time. Also, good luck talking about the Cole Caufield contract without getting absolutely swarmed.
6. Colorado Avalanche
If you ever want to see a fanbase lose its mind, just suggest that Cale Makar might not be the greatest defenseman of all time. Avs fans are still coasting off that 2022 Stanley Cup win and love reminding everyone about it. If their team loses? It’s because of injuries, the refs, or some other cosmic injustice. Never because the other team was simply better.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby is the greatest player of all time—just ask any Penguins fan. If you dare suggest otherwise, you’ll be met with a barrage of defensive stats and comparisons. Penguins fans have had it good for a long time, but their recent struggles have made them very cranky. Now, instead of bragging about Cups, they just yell at their front office and blame everything on the power play.
4. New York Rangers
Rangers fans love two things: spending money and acting like they’re the most important franchise in the league. The arrogance levels are through the roof, and if you suggest that Igor Shesterkin is anything less than a goaltending god, prepare to be ratioed into oblivion. They also love to pretend that their team is an “underdog” despite having one of the biggest budgets in the NHL.
3. Detroit Red Wings
“Original Six” this, “Hockeytown” that. Red Wings fans have spent the last decade pretending their rebuild is going exactly according to plan. They refuse to admit that their team has been irrelevant for years, and if you criticize Steve Yzerman’s moves in any way, they will not take it well. Also, they’re still bitter about 2009.
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2. Buffalo Sabres
Sabres fans are exhausting. They’ve been suffering for so long that their bitterness is unmatched. Every year is supposed to be “the year they turn it around,” and yet, here we are. If you even hint that Jack Eichel was right to leave, you’ll be met with a tsunami of angry replies. The amount of delusion in this fanbase is honestly impressive.
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1. Philadelphia Flyers
Was there ever any doubt? Flyers fans take toxic fandom to an art form. They boo their own team, despise every coach within months of hiring, and have an irrational love for goons. If you say anything negative about their team, you’ll get chirped aggressively. And if you’re in Philadelphia and wearing an opposing jersey? Good luck.
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