Next Step – Let Refs Police The Game

Some fight fans believe that the NHL is slowly and methodically changing their rules to remove fisticuffs from hockey.  That may be giving the league too much credit but let’s assume the premise is correct – what should their next step be?  Something stealthy of course and a subtle change that they could claim wasn’t a change at all.

Rat PIM Update – Fighters Versus Rats

The popular opinion of those who support fighting is that it controls the Rats in the game.  There is the contrary position that some of the enforcers are also the biggest Rats.  But if we compiled a list of the top fighters and the top Rats – what would the statistics tell us.

Shanahan – NHL Enforcer’s Days Are Numbered

Brendan Shanahan departed from his usual script during his most recent suspension announcement to express his disappointment with a few of NHLPA members.  “The NHL Department of Player Safety is overworked and stretched to the limit because certain players are doing whatever the hell they like and not focusing on hockey.  I’m talking about enforcers and their inability to protect their teammates and take care of the rats”.

Fighting Vs Visors – Does the NHL Care About Player Safety

The recent concussion suffered by George Parros and yesterday’s seizure suffered by USHL player Dylan Chanter, both as a result of a fight, got me thinking about visors.   The NHL was gravely concerned about eye injuries and last January decided to grandfather in the mandatory wearing of protective face shields.  I find it very strange that they brought in a rule that protects a few players while many more suffer serious injuries during a fight.

A Blueprint for Improving Player Safety and Reducing Fighting in Hockey.

I have made the point several times that fighting is a symptom of player frustration over officiating and discipline.  When a player is hit hard with a cheap shot, either they or a teammate feels compelled to take revenge.  A 2 minute power play is not enough of a penalty to reduce this emotion.  And if the player is hurt then the need for revenge is even stronger and not reduced one iota by a 2 or 3 game suspension for the culprit.  The fight becomes one of the most predictable acts in the NHL.

Why Fighting Does Not Belong In Hockey.

Joseph Beyda recently published an article in the Stanford Daily titled Why Fighting Fits in the NHL.  It was a rebuttal to a colleague, Tom Taylor, who wrote about his initial experience with hockey, published previously on the same website under Why do NHL “stars” Still Have to Act Like Goons?  Beyda thought that his arguments were solid and his defense of fighting was a slam dunk.  I don’t think so.