By: Ryan Dadoun

There's been plenty of attention given to the struggling US hockey markets, from Phoenix to Columbus. But there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for hockey in non-traditional US markets. TV ratings in the US are up and the reason might be affordable HDTVs.

HD TV might be helping hockey more than any of the other big four sports because the crisp picture is making it easier for a new wave of US viewers to follow the puck in the fast-paced sport. The Versus network posted a 33% increase in viewership over the first couple weeks of the season while Anaheim and Florida saw triple-digit increases in their local ratings.

It's too early to read too much into those numbers, but it'll be interesting to see if the theory holds true.