NHL arenas in several U.S. markets are struggling to draw full crowds this October, bucking the trend of past seasons when games regularly sold out. The month has historically seen the lowest attendance figures in the league, but this year’s drop-off is particularly sharp, raising questions about fan engagement amid ongoing challenges. Teams that once filled their venues are now facing empty seats, signaling a shift in how hockey is being experienced. The decline comes as leagues and franchises grapple with broader factors affecting live sports attendance.

October has always statistically been the worst month for NHL attendance, and numerous NHL markets across the U.S. are failing to sell out their arenas despite previously being able to do so.