And indeed, they do have more good hockey players, per capita.

Annnd, we do. No doubt. But that's cultural too. We love hockey. It's in our bones. You'd think siberia would have the best players by your logic.

If the logic is consistent, then Siberia should have, per capita, more good hockey player than golf players, as compared to the a more moderate climate, like South Africa.

They do, don't they?

Presumably, yes. With a bit more meditation on this thread, I think my general conclusion then is that while culture can shape behavior, it's possible that things like weather can shape culture.

And, to bring it all home, this feels like the topic of a Gladwell Book (or at least a chapter)