37 replies to this topic

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

My link

The thought has been there for a while, but it seems they're really pushing forward with it now.

[Echolalia]

I'm of the group that doesn't think fighting does all that much in the game aside from getting fans out of their seat, but my opinion isn't shared by all, including some NHL coaches and GMs. Banning fighting in feeder leagues is going to take away an asset in prospects that some fans and NHL staff members value, which is discouraging to hear.
At the same time, the nervous system is still developing in these prospects and I don't know if it's worth the long-term risk of brain damage that blows to the head can cause. I imagine that if fighting (ie shots to the head) can cause a negative response in fully grown adults, it really can't be good for kids who are still developing neurologically.

Edited by Echolalia, 01 March 2012 - 04:54 PM.

[wingslogo19]

If they ban fighting there will be way more dirty stuff in the game. Players knowing that there's no fighting would not be what the game needs.

[wings1110]

a lot of people attend junior games for fights...

[sleepwalker]

a lot of people attend junior games for fights...

I believe it. Down here in Toledo, while we have the Walleye and the nice new arena and family atmosphere now, I remember the Storm days where people attending a game pretty much expected to see a fight, and see the boys kick some ass.

[Hockeymom1960]

Well, I'll be pissed if that's the case. I love the skill but love fights too. I don't want to watch the Wings in the OHL

[Kindl Surprise]

There's a reason us college hockey is so much chippier than chl hockey and it's because the only way to get back at someone for being chippy is to be chippy right back. I'd be interested in knowing how many people around here that grew up playing hockey are people who want to get rid of it. I can understand getting the goons out of the leagues, but fighting is in the game for a reason.

[WorkingOvertime]

The USHL allows fighting, but fighting is less common than in the CHL. I would be interested to see if cages (for those under 18) are the major reason for this, or if there are other factors.

I don't agree with 16 year old players only on a CHL team to fight, but I also believe fighting is an important part of high level hockey. Hopefully the CHL can reduce/eliminate the amount of players who only fight, while keeping fighting in the leagues.

[cusimano_brothers]

180°?

[Jaymister]

Idiots, would they rather have kids swinging sticks at each other instead?!

[Datsyuk4Life]

Hockey wouldn't be hockey without fighting. I'd hate to see it leave.

[KATIEBARTHEDOOR24]

Say hello to high sticks, cheap shots, and dirty plays. Hey wait, since the players are wearing helmets we can keep our stick up without any harm done. Hey the glass is higher now. Shoot High.

[MabusIncarnate]

This is a constant annoyance at this point, and I hate the direction that leagues are going with this.

Hockey is all for the fans, right? Tell me the last time you saw a fight break out during a hockey game and the fans didn't explode in cheers like a goal was just scored. It's exciting, fans love it, I love it, it's always been part of the game and needs to stay part of the game.

If the NHL does this, and I can see it happening at some point, Mr. Howe will shake his head in disgust as will most of the other retired players and long time fans of the sport.

[Kindl Surprise]

Just imagine an NHL filled with Maxim Lapierres...

[jollymania]

branch is one of the biggest morons on planet earth, if you think bettman is bad you haven't seen anything.

[Doc Holliday]

a lot of people attend junior games for fights...

I remember going to Whalers games looking forward to the fights.

Not sure why they would get rid of it unless they can actually find some direct cause of fighting to consistent life-altering head trauma, which they won't.

[Hockeymom1960]

Say hello to high sticks, cheap shots, and dirty plays. Hey wait, since the players are wearing helmets we can keep our stick up without any harm done. Hey the glass is higher now. Shoot High.

I agree. The testosterone is pretty high in kids these ages and fighting is a good outlet. If they ban fighting, I agree, there will be a lot more cheap shots, etc. that will cause physical harm.

branch is one of the biggest morons on planet earth, if you think bettman is bad you haven't seen anything.

I agree 100%. That idiot should have been gone a long time ago

[fatjake]

I believe it. Down here in Toledo, while we have the Walleye and the nice new arena and family atmosphere now, I remember the Storm days where people attending a game pretty much expected to see a fight, and see the boys kick some ass.

My first hockey game was a Storm game! It was awesome, the thing I remember most was that there was a rowdy bunch of fans that sat behind the visitors bench and taunted/insulted them the whole game.

How expensive are the concessions at the Walleye games? I'm planning on making my way down there soon.

[cusimano_brothers]

Toronto Star.

[cusimano_brothers]

The OHL has taken step in another direction...for now; from ontariohockeyleague.com:

Supplementary Discipline:

• If a player is assessed a fighting major for the 11^th – 15^th time during the regular season, such player is assessed an automatic two (2) game suspension for each additional fighting major in addition to any other penalties assessed.
  
• If a player is assessed a fighting major for the 16^th time or more during the regular season, such player is assessed an automatic two (2) game suspension and the hockey club is fined $1,000.00 for each additional fighting major in addition to any other penalties assessed.
  
• If a player is deemed to be the instigator in any of the fights above the ten (10) game threshold, such player would be assessed an automatic four (4) game suspension in addition to any other penalties assessed.

Note: If a player is instigated upon, the fighting major is not included in the player’s total number of fights.

Edited by cusimano_brothers, 21 September 2012 - 07:36 AM.