Rambling Thoughts on the NHL Concussion Lawsuit

I was surprised by my reaction to Monday’s announcement of retired players filing a lawsuit against the NHL.  If you have read any of my posts over the last 2 years it’s obvious that I’m no fan of fighting and I always expected a lawsuit would be brought against the league at some point.  Still I was disappointed to finally see it happen.

The Code – Creating Honor Amongst Enforcers, or Excuses

“The Code”.  That mythical set of rules that is trotted out at various times to create honor amongst  hockey enforcers and excuse the dishonorable conduct that more often results from enforcers in the game.  Those who support fighting will mention the history and tradition of dropping the gloves and that players have long used “The Code” to police the game.  But just how long has “The Code” existed.

The Fighting In Hockey Debate Isn’t Going Away

You might think that there appears to be more news articles and blog posts on the subject of whether fighting in hockey should be reduced or banned outright.  And you would be correct.  I’ve been posting regularly on this topic for almost two years now and I’m encouraged that more writers are publishing opinion pieces and fact based articles – even without a major brawl or fight-induced concussion to prompt it.

Rat PIM Update - NHL Enforcers Vs Rats

Over the past several weeks we have heard from current and former players, as well as hockey notables, about how fighting is needed to reduce or eliminate cheap shots in the sport.  Without the Enforcer role the “Rats” would take over the game.  The consensus is so strong and prevalent that there must be some evidence that would support the pro-fighting viewpoint.  It would be hard to believe that individuals who play the game at the highest level are relying solely on perception.

With Apologies to Bobby Orr and Brian Burke, All Fights Are Stupid

Over the past few weeks we have heard from two prominent hockey insiders on why fighting belongs in hockey.  An excerpt from Bobby Orr’s new book was widely distributed by the media and Brian Burke had his own guest column on the subject.  Both tried to show that fighting was an honorable and necessary activity in the NHL.  And then Emery demonstrated why all of their arguments are bullshit.