NY Islanders female fashion trend is part of growing the game, so what's the problem?

Who knew that women showing up to New York Islanders games in fashionable orange-and-blue outfits could become something worth arguing about?

Seriously. Of all the things to debate about the Islanders right now, somehow a story about women expressing their fandom through fashion has stirred up a bizarre social media debate.

And it's all a little ridiculous.

On Tuesday, the New York Post published a feature about the growing number of female hockey fans turning UBS Arena into something of a fashion destination. The story highlighted a woman named Marina Heinz creating customized Islanders clothing, sharing their game-day looks on social media and building friendships around their love of the team.

Holly Horvat, wife of Islanders captain Bo Horvat, described how women are becoming more creative with their game-day outfits, while Heinz, who runs the Isles Styles Instagram account, talked about the friendships she's developed through her passion for customized Islanders apparel.

Pretty harmless stuff, right? Apparently not everyone thought so.

Because everything goes into the gutter on social media, the replies on the post, which now has over a million views, ranged from questioning whether this was part of an overarching strategy to attract more casual female fans to commenting about those who do it are seeking attention more than wanting to be a fan of the team.

“Get younger, more diverse, and more female," Islanders President of Hockey Operations Kelly Cheeseman has previously stated. But apparently, that rubs some diehards the wrong way.

Women have been following the Isles, understanding the game through winning and losing seasons for decades. They aren't some new demographic that suddenly discovered hockey because someone put rhinestones on a denim jacket.

But that's not what the story was suggesting, either.

And judging by the replies to the social media post, the Islanders aren't alone in seeing this trend. Fans of other NHL teams pointed out that similar fashion communities and game-day experiences are becoming more noticeable in their own arenas.

Which makes the whole backlash by some even stranger.

This isn't some Islanders-specific marketing gimmick. It's part of a broader movement of women finding new ways to connect with hockey, their favorite teams and each other.

Shouldn't that be something worth celebrating?

The NHL has spent years trying to attract younger fans and expand its audience. Now, when women are showing up, creating content, buying merchandise and making hockey part of their social lives, somehow we're debating whether they're enjoying the sport the right way.

Come on.

There's certainly a legitimate conversation about not reducing female hockey fans to fashion and appearances. Plenty of women know more about hockey than the guys questioning their fandom.

But enjoying game-day fashion doesn't make someone any less of a fan, either.

Some people can break down defensive-zone coverage. Others collect jerseys, follow prospects, read sites like this, listen to multiple podcasts, or simply love the atmosphere of a packed arena.

Plenty enjoy all of it. And not everyone needs to know all of that to enjoy their time at UBS Arena.

Maybe someone initially comes because of a friend, a favorite player or an outfit they saw on Instagram. Who cares? Are they having these conversations about the fanbase of the NBA? NFL? MLB? No. I honestly don't get why this would bother anyone.

If they leave wanting to come back, that's a win for the Islanders and for hockey.

Based on the early season attendance numbers, the Isles should welcome every new fan they can get. Fans should prefer this than sections filled with Devils or Canadiens fans.

And if other NHL teams are experiencing the same thing, even better. Because growing the game shouldn't come with a dress code or a test of someone's hockey knowledge. Enjoy the game, enjoy the experience, any way you want.

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