Fighting in The Show, or any league really for that matter, seems to be running its course. As a pure viewer, and someone who only played hockey until grade 6 (I can still skate!), I've just never personally taken to it. But I am numb to it. It's "a part" of the game. Most of the time, when it happens I just watch because it's been so ingrained into me. There's rarely a judgement.
Then, there are instances where I'm almost fully aware of what's happening, and I realize that no other sport (to my knowledge) has legalized fist fighting, other than boxing, mixed martial arts, etc. I don't watch hockey for the fighting. I'd hazard a guess that the vast majority of those who do watch wouldn't be watching for that single aspect either. Yet, if removed I'm sure there would be an outcry.
Who are the ones who would be upset, and why? What reasoning other than, "Well it's been a part of the game for so long! Hockey always has had fighting, and it needs to continue!"
I personally don't consider a reason based around "tradition" in this regard to be valid. With what we know about CTE, concussions in sport, and the damage that can be caused - especially in such a high-velocity, high-impact sport like hockey - I see no reason to top it off with throwing knuckles to faces.
To spark energy back into the team, to get momentum, to get the crowd into it, to stand up for a teammate, there are plenty of ways to do so other than fighting in this game.
I love the sport. I love the speed. I love the competitiveness. I love the skill. But fighting, there are no qualities about it that I find adds value to the game.
Fighting for the crowds and cameras is BS. Fighting because someone needs an ass whuppin is an entire different kettle of fish and that’s hockey.
Fighting in The Show, or any league really for that matter, seems to be running its course. As a pure viewer, and someone who only played hockey until grade 6 (I can still skate!), I've just never personally taken to it. But I am numb to it. It's "a part" of the game. Most of the time, when it happens I just watch because it's been so ingrained into me. There's rarely a judgement.
Then, there are instances where I'm almost fully aware of what's happening, and I realize that no other sport (to my knowledge) has legalized fist fighting, other than boxing, mixed martial arts, etc. I don't watch hockey for the fighting. I'd hazard a guess that the vast majority of those who do watch wouldn't be watching for that single aspect either. Yet, if removed I'm sure there would be an outcry.
Who are the ones who would be upset, and why? What reasoning other than, "Well it's been a part of the game for so long! Hockey always has had fighting, and it needs to continue!"
I personally don't consider a reason based around "tradition" in this regard to be valid. With what we know about CTE, concussions in sport, and the damage that can be caused - especially in such a high-velocity, high-impact sport like hockey - I see no reason to top it off with throwing knuckles to faces.
To spark energy back into the team, to get momentum, to get the crowd into it, to stand up for a teammate, there are plenty of ways to do so other than fighting in this game.
I love the sport. I love the speed. I love the competitiveness. I love the skill. But fighting, there are no qualities about it that I find adds value to the game.
Great piece here, Ken!