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Today's Poll: Should hockey leagues impose harsher penalties for fighting during games?

By Howard B. Owens
Peter O'Brien

In my league, it is a $50 fine and a game suspension for your first offense.

Fighting gives players an alternative way to reach the NHL. These men are greatly respected around hockey. They earn their spot by paying the price for policing the ice.

The game too fast for rules alone to be the sole deterrent to taking cheap shots. Baseball has fighting as well. Pitchers know not the throw at someone's head because more than likely you will be attacked. Same thing in hockey. You know not to use your carbon fiber shillelaghs to hit someone on the side of the knee or you will have to answer to the man who is there specifically to protect the others.

Fighting is the single most exciting event in hockey. And its not like hockey is the only sport with fighting. I mentioned baseball, but there is also boxing and mma.

Hockey fighting is regulated by tradition. Once an opponent falls in a standard fight, the fight is over. Unless that guy did something egregious, like hit the defenseless goalie, the fight ends when they hit the ice. There are also rules such as the Rob Ray rule. This ensures jerseys stay on allowing for an easier defense.

This is America. We don't play the cowardly euro version of hockey where we weave through the defense. We play a hard hitting, physical version of hockey that can't be policed by just rules.

If you take fighting out of juniors, you will see more intentional injuries and a less exciting form of hockey. The kids will be unprepared for the next level of hockey as well.

Feb 28, 2012, 8:55am Permalink
joe miano

Nice comment peter . If you watched the HBO series 24/7 leading up to the Rangers Flyers winter classic you can hear the players talking before and during the fights . The one player says during the fight im done the other player lets go of him and its over. During the game both teams are talking to each other about a player or a play if the player wont stop doing or saying whats Pissing the other team off they are going to go after that player.Its part of the game . If you dont like the fighting DONT WATCH HOCKEY.

Feb 28, 2012, 9:17am Permalink
C. M. Barons

I thought I was repeating a near-death experience! All so familiar- deja-vu-familiar. Did I actually participate in a hockey conversation? Then I remember... Last month, 24 hours without sleep, 12 hours straight driving; it was central New Hampshire with reception limited to one radio station. Two males arguing about suppressing violence in pro hockey.

Feb 28, 2012, 2:39pm Permalink
Greg Siedlecki

There are now specific rules for fighting in youth and junior hockey. You will never get it out of the NHL (and shouldn't). Referees are better trained and as long as they have control of the games, I think the future of hockey will be great.
In my sons league now, I have noticed that since more penalties are called for some of the stupid hits and the kids are figuring out what they can and can't get away with anymore ... the skill levels have increased in all of the kids.

BTW ... Batavia Ramparts ... Midget B 2011-12 Champions!

I know that most people are Football or Baseball fans, but if you ever get to really watch and learn the game of hockey, you will definitely appreciate the talent and skill of the sport. And yes, even the fighting. It is truly one of the best sports to watch LIVE!

Feb 28, 2012, 10:11pm Permalink

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