Jeff Curlew
Mrs. McKenzie
ENG 4U
October 1st, 2015
Should there be Fighting in Hockey?
As we approach the 2015-16 NHL season, the same question that is asked ever year rises to the surface again: Should fighting be allowed in hockey? For almost 100 years fighting has been a part of the game. However, with the always increasing speed and skill of the game, people believe that there is no more room for fighting. They argue it’s dangerous, is bad for kids, and makes the game seem like a joke. While they may be right about these things, I’m not sure that they completely understand what fighting is about. Fighting isn’t just two guys trying to beat the crap out of one another for no reason at all. This may sound surprising but fighting actually…show more content… “In 2014 there were six NHL superstars sidelined with injuries” (Cherry). A high number compared to years prior. Why is this? Well I believe because of the disappearing fighters, players don’t have to face the consequences. With fighters, tough guys and enforcers lessening in numbers, other players aren’t afraid to take a run at someone, or to give a cheap hit to the knees. Fighting is already at an all time low, imagine how many cheap shots and injuries there will be if it gets banned from the sport. People try and say fighting causes more injuries than actually game-play, body checks and cheap shots. However, the risk of getting a concussion (common injury) in a fight is only %0.39 while the risk of getting one during game-play is %4.5 (Dotinga). Meaning your more likely to be injured by hits and slashes. Most people that want fighting gone are people who have never played hockey before. Take it from guys who’ve been around the game and played it their entire lives: Stars forward Shawn Horcoff says, “I think there would be a lot more guys running around, a lot more high-sticks, a lot more hits from behind”. Brain Burke, Calgary Flames GM, says, "The amount of fighting in the game has been reduced dramatically, and that's a good thing. It's not going to go up, but I think it's a central part of player safety" (Canadian Press). Burke is correct, because it’s good that it’s not occurring all the…show more content… A fight can affect the game just as much as a goal. When one of your teammates steps in and bleeds for the team, it can spark an entire bench to go out and give it their all. After watching a fight, every players’ adrenaline is boosted, thus leading to them finding that last little bit of energy to tally a couple goals. Any player or coach will tell you that a fight is the best way to ignite your team and shift the momentum completely. “Researchers at powerscouthockey.com concluded that fights produced a surge, by at least one team, an eye-popping 76 per cent of the time.” (Moneyball) Here’s some proof of that statement: Shawn Thornton had a reputation as one of the toughest guys in the league. In games that he fought in, his team, the Bruins were W38-L13-OTL8 (Moneyball), an unbelievable record. Statistic people who’ve never played hockey in their life argue that a fight does not help in scoring the next goal. However, if you have ever full on watch a hockey game or played in one where a fight has happened, you know what I mean when I say it gets you fired up. It’s clear to see the impact it has on the skaters. A fight can be the difference between and win and a