I am SO the ultimate fan!
😛
I watch hockey, since it's the only REAL sports amongst pseudo-sports. I follow 3 different leagues on a regular basis (the NHL, the Swedish Elite League, and the Swedish second division where my favorite team, Leksand, plays), and I also follow my local team that plays in Division 5 (beer league, but still!) and try to keep track of the Russian KHL as often as I can. I also know the names of most of the other European top leagues, and can name at least a handfull of players out of each and every one.
I am listed on Facebook as "in a complicated relationship" with my favorite Swedish team, since they fail to get promoted to the SEL year in and year out. I'll keep cheering for them no matter what, though!
I stay up till 5 am just so I can watch some NHL games. If the Caps are playing that's a bonus, but I don't really care so long as it's hockey. XD
I know a great deal about the youth systems in the "Big 7" hockey nations (although I argue it's more like the "Big 6" now that Slovakia is going downhill with their programme), and I follow young players from as early an age as possible if I think they're going to turn into something special. Usually they don't get on my radar until they're around 16, but I've followed Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay 2nd overall pick) since he was 14 years old, amongst others. While I know more about Swedish prospects than any others, I also have a good grasp of the young players in Canada, Finland and the US - at least the ones that will play in the u20 World Juniors, since it is a Christmas tradition for me to watch that tournament! ^^
My second most frequented forum after the TMF is a hockey forum. (hfboards.com)
I haven't missed a World Championship since 1998, and I watch most of the "friendlies" played ahead of the tournament (provided the games are aired on TV, otherwise I just look up the results online). I also follow the lower divisions of the World Championship, since I want the UK, France, Italy and Germany to do well; if they develop into strong hockey powers then that will be GREAT for the sport!
Lastly, I know a lot of hockey history, including medal counts (for example I know that the UK actually has a gold medal in hockey at the winter olympics
😀), and the single reason I don't play hockey myself is because I suck at skating!