I have always thought just the opposite, at least initially its seems as if it was mostly blue collar types who lived in areas where cold winters are the norm. Perhaps that is different now. When you think about it though, what professional sport could not be called “privileged?” Most recruit from college sports, and generally unless there on a sports scholarship, most are privileged. And please note I said generally and most not all. I do like hockey, but not on television. For me it is a sport that must be viewed in real life. The fighting is a bit of unnecessary theatre but other than that, I think the skill level is spectacular.