Why has Saskatchewan produced so many NHLers?

Stream Good Question, Saskatchewan on CBC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Saskatchewan has produced so many professional hockey players over the years, you'd think there's something in the ice.

"Our province has led all jurisdictions," said Darrell Davis, author of Fire on Ice: Why Saskatchewan Rules the NHL.

Saskatoon's Gary Huang asked CBC's new podcast Good Question, Saskatchewan, "Why do we produce so many professional hockey players?"

His son plays elite hockey and has dreamed of making the NHL since he was first learning to skate.

"I think it comes down to winter," said Huang. "It comes down to the culture and the passion."

But is there more to it?

The podcast team decided to ask some people who know Saskatchewan hockey inside and out.

Let's start with Hayley Wickenheiser's mom, Marilyn. 

Hayley, who grew up playing hockey in Shaunavon, Sask., is an Olympic-gold winning hockey player who now works for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Marilyn gives credit to the number of outdoor rinks in the province.

"I know when Haley was growing up skating on the outside, outdoor rink she would just head out there and play and that's how you learn," she said. "Lots and lots of practice."

The other theory comes from Kelvington, Sask., where a population of around 980 has managed to produce six NHL players, including Wendel Clark.

"Saskatchewan is a great breeding ground because the parents are the biggest factor in getting the kids to be able to play daily," said Clark.