I've posted this before. The same debate came up a few years back and during a conversation with David Franke, I noted that there were only three times when fans stood up. The first was the National Anthem, the second when the home team scored, and the third was a fight.
I realize that fighting is a barbaric activity. I know it isn't condoned in any other avenue in life other than those sports where it is the base accomplishment. (Even though I personally think stuff in the MMA is just violently over the edge). But, and its a big BUT, I would hate to see it outlawed in hockey. I can't explain why but I think the game would change for the worse. For me there is no logic in my thinking, just a sense of lesser entertainment and remorse for taking something away that has been an important fabric of the game.
Even as I type this I can't equate my rational thoughts regarding the subject and my emotional thoughts about the game. Maybe that's why the subject comes up time after time, yet can't be regulated out of the game.
kyle hunt
Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:50pm
I would not call it barbaric and if you have ever been in a hockey fight you would get it.
Mike From Toronto
Thu, 10/03/2013 - 2:54pm
Paul Maurice (coached the Huricanes and the Leafs)was on The Sports Network (TSN) last night. He commented that the KHL (Russian League) had the 10 minute misconduct rule for fighting. He said the liberties that were taken with sticks and knee on knees made you sick to your stomach. Everyone knew there wouldn't be a fight so they made the skill guys pay.
I really don't like the helmets coming off. A fellow died up here about 4 years back, playing in a Senior (not oldtimers) league. Took his helmet off to fight and hit his head.
The visors are there for a reason. Protect your eyes. If they hurt your fists then don't fight. Just don't outlaw it at least at the pro level.
The other point of view is from the College perspective. No fighting or you are out. But everyone must realize those kids are looking to get to the next level so it is not that difficult to police. The US college games I watch are fast but they are physical with a certain amount of stick work. The Canadian Juniors can fight and the stick work is not tolerated so they do fight. Not as much as they used to.
Toronto in the NHL started the arms race last year. And it would appear that the Atlantic division is going to be tough. It will be interesting to see how a team like Detroit handles it. Will they continue the finesse game or will they have to muscle up to protect the talent.
Detroit has been my team forever. So it will be interesting to see where the debate takes us.
Hockey is around the corner in FW. Enjoy the year and the team, I will be down to keep an eye on you great fans.
kyle hunt
Fri, 10/04/2013 - 5:43am
Detroit plays tough, they will be there if needed. The game they play does not require alot of enforcement, it is truly slick how they manage a game.
chuckitt
Sat, 10/05/2013 - 4:05pm
without enforcers i dobt yzerman would have been as good as a player that he was! as one who played the game id much rather drop the gloves than have someone take a stick to my ankles or back of my knees and it will happen if they take away retaliation!
Comments
I've posted this before. The same debate came up a few years back and during a conversation with David Franke, I noted that there were only three times when fans stood up. The first was the National Anthem, the second when the home team scored, and the third was a fight.
I realize that fighting is a barbaric activity. I know it isn't condoned in any other avenue in life other than those sports where it is the base accomplishment. (Even though I personally think stuff in the MMA is just violently over the edge). But, and its a big BUT, I would hate to see it outlawed in hockey. I can't explain why but I think the game would change for the worse. For me there is no logic in my thinking, just a sense of lesser entertainment and remorse for taking something away that has been an important fabric of the game.
Even as I type this I can't equate my rational thoughts regarding the subject and my emotional thoughts about the game. Maybe that's why the subject comes up time after time, yet can't be regulated out of the game.
I would not call it barbaric and if you have ever been in a hockey fight you would get it.
Paul Maurice (coached the Huricanes and the Leafs)was on The Sports Network (TSN) last night. He commented that the KHL (Russian League) had the 10 minute misconduct rule for fighting. He said the liberties that were taken with sticks and knee on knees made you sick to your stomach. Everyone knew there wouldn't be a fight so they made the skill guys pay.
I really don't like the helmets coming off. A fellow died up here about 4 years back, playing in a Senior (not oldtimers) league. Took his helmet off to fight and hit his head.
The visors are there for a reason. Protect your eyes. If they hurt your fists then don't fight. Just don't outlaw it at least at the pro level.
The other point of view is from the College perspective. No fighting or you are out. But everyone must realize those kids are looking to get to the next level so it is not that difficult to police. The US college games I watch are fast but they are physical with a certain amount of stick work. The Canadian Juniors can fight and the stick work is not tolerated so they do fight. Not as much as they used to.
Toronto in the NHL started the arms race last year. And it would appear that the Atlantic division is going to be tough. It will be interesting to see how a team like Detroit handles it. Will they continue the finesse game or will they have to muscle up to protect the talent.
Detroit has been my team forever. So it will be interesting to see where the debate takes us.
Hockey is around the corner in FW. Enjoy the year and the team, I will be down to keep an eye on you great fans.
Detroit plays tough, they will be there if needed. The game they play does not require alot of enforcement, it is truly slick how they manage a game.
without enforcers i dobt yzerman would have been as good as a player that he was! as one who played the game id much rather drop the gloves than have someone take a stick to my ankles or back of my knees and it will happen if they take away retaliation!