I agree. It's less expensive and a hell of a lot more fun. Then again, I love hockey at any level - UHL, ECHL, AHL and NHL (I know there are other levels, but I have seen the EC, A and N level teams play and follow the scores of the U). I am sorry to say that I didn't get to enjoy the IHL before they disbanded. No one in my family was/is a hockey fan so I didn't get into it until 2000/2001.
I love watching the Wolves play. And sorry, all the fights are not staged. There is some genuine hate there between the Wolves and a couple teams, especially the Griffs.