[jr1982]

There is a constant debate whether fighting should be removed from hockey.
What do you think? YES or no?

[bears9]

Why else would you watch hockey?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by jr1982

There is a constant debate whether fighting should be removed from hockey.
What do you think? YES or no?

Welcome aboard, jr, and thanks for joining us here at GoTeamsGo!

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I definitely prefer lots of shooting and scoring to thug play and fighting.

[Phils20]

I like a good, physlical game. If a fight happens, it happens. I think that is the way hockey was meant to be played.

This BS version of hockey we have these days is watered down for the casual fan, and it sucks. I don't think cheap shots and fighting make for a better game, though.

Hope that answers your question!

[ThePundit]

When I was growing up in the '70's. Fighting was much worse, including bench emptying brawls. Now you get maybe a fight a game. So they should just leave it.

[EmpireWF]

I don't think fighting should be outlawed. It is apart of the game. However, it should be watched. You don't want brawls breaking out often or even regularly.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by jr1982

There is a constant debate whether fighting should be removed from hockey.
What do you think? YES or no?

No...its part of the game. Heck why not ban boxing and that UFC thing while we are at it?

[LSC9901]

If it is a part of the game why isn't it taught at the youth level ???

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

If it is a part of the game why isn't it taught at the youth level ???

You telling me that they go from not being taught to having to slug it out at the NHL level?...oh please...

its not taught at the NHL level either...the coach taps a guy on the shoulder and he knows what he has to go do...

So if its not taught at any level and yet there it is on the ice...maybe the magical NHL fairy sprinkles fighting dust on new rookies and they become fighters...no?

Its part of the game in Canada and America...maybe the Euro's play it differently...

[blueandwhite]

In theory, no. There are gray areas, though - there is no other sport like it where hitting is part of the game. Yeah they hit in boxing, but that's the idea. And yeah they hit in football but that's a tackle, not part
of the continuous play.
You can't ban fighting. I mean you can, but it wouldn't work.
Hockey is a rough game and tempers often flair so fights come up. I don't really go for those fights. but another reason they fight is to get the team and the crowd going when one team is flailing. That, I understand, to a point.
I love hitting, good hits, hard hits. i don't like fighting. Starting a fight is when my pee break happens or it's time to look in the fridge. I love the physicality of the game, but the fights need to be stopped long before they actually are.
Kids aren't allowed to fight, but I have noticed by the OHL/AHL level, there is a lot of fighting.
That's when it's time to get popcorn. then come back and watch the glorious game of hard hitting hockey.

[LSC9901]

I'm all up for some hard hits but fighting itself is not a "LEGAL" part of the game and no I don't think it is taught. Yes I believe there is an understanding that when you get angry it's OK to start swinging. Why is it when it happens in other sports players are ejected from the game ? It's not legal in baseball or basketball and when it occurs penalties are passed out.

My other issue with it in hockey is that the refs just sit there and watch it happen. All to often the make no attempt to intervene. I do understand that tempers flare and that a swing may occur but injuries can and do occur also. I watch some college hockey and while I will admit there is some fighting ... the refs are all over it right away. Where are the pro refs and why do they just stand there and watch ??? They are as much at fault as the players.

[blueandwhite]

I'm not saying I agree with it but I think the refs stay back because they think it is the right thing to do - let the players let off as much steam, don't get in the middle of a heated fight, then it will be done. i think there must be some pressure from the league too ie the crowd likes it, though the league would never admit to it.
yeah, leafs lost a player to a concussion last season when while fighting- he was pushed to the ground and he smacked his head on the ice. pointless.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I'm not saying I agree with it but I think the refs stay back because they think it is the right thing to do - let the players let off as much steam, don't get in the middle of a heated fight, then it will be done. i think there must be some pressure from the league too ie the crowd likes it, though the league would never admit to it.
yeah, leafs lost a player to a concussion last season when while fighting- he was pushed to the ground and he smacked his head on the ice. pointless.

Just verifies my thinking. Someday the refs will be involved in a lawsuit and that'll change the way they do their job.

[ThePundit]

I think they could outlaw it if they wanted to like in the Olympics. You fight and you're out of the game. But as long as these fights are only 1 on 1, and the fans want it, they should just leave it alone.

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I think they could outlaw it if they wanted to like in the Olympics. You fight and you're out of the game. But as long as these fights are only 1 on 1, and the fans want it, they should just leave it alone.

Exactly. It's not like the players are out there gouging out eyes, or using sticks on each other. That kind of stuff would get you a long suspension. Let's all stop being so soft about this. It's a hockey fight, not a stick fight to the death. It's been part of hockey for over 100 years, and about 99.9% of them are pretty clean, and no one get's hurt.

Talk of an official being sued is about the most silly thing I've ever heard of. Please. How soft have we become when that even ends up crossing someones mind. Has anyone ever been sued in the NFL when some gets a cheap shot. HOw about being sued when players are hit in the head with a baseball.

I could just throw up seeing such a thing stated. My God. Hockey ratings have taken enough of a dive with todays soft game. Why don't we just have them tie on the gloves.

Then we could give them plastic sticks, so the slap shots wouldn't be soooooooooo hard. Someone could get hurt.

The next sound you hear will be me throwing up...