The NHL is one of the only major sports that actually allows fighting to occur. Fighting has long been interwoven into the history of the NHL as an integral part of the game. There is growing sentiment that Rypien's depression, and Boogaard's concussion-related symptoms were inevitably the cause of their deaths. Could these fights have led to some form of trauma that brought upon depression, taking of painkillers, etc? Most likely to some extent yes. But that's not the whole story.
Fighting actually serves a major purpose in the game of hockey. It allows for the lesser skilled players to protect their superstar teammates from being physically abused by the other team. It also allows for these skilled players to see that if someone comes after me, or there is a dirty hit against one of my teammates, that these fighter has my back. It is the ultimate sacrifice for showing that a players' teammates matter to them.
The late Derek Boogaard fighting Philadelphia's Jody Shelly |
So while many people say that it's just something that serves absolutely no purpose in the new NHL, that it sends a bad message, and that it has long term side effects on these fighters, I view it as the ultimate symbolism for being a good teammate. A player who is willing to sacrifice himself--both physically and mentally, because he understands his role on the ice and he will do anything to stick up for his teammates.
Now, with that said, there needs to be some changes in the way fighting occurs for it to be "more civilized" if you will. First things first, you have to separate the goons from the enforcers. What's the difference? An enforcer is what was described above--someone who will stick up for their teammates, and goes by the fighters code. A goon is someone who runs around and takes cheap shots at their opponents, or someone who instigates a fight while the other fighter isn't prepared or is unwilling. Goons need to be removed from the NHL because they are the ones that give a bad name to fighting.
Secondly, no player should be allowed to fight with their helmets on. Both fighters must remove visors/helmets before being allowed to engage in an altercation. Keep the fight fair to both combatants so one doesn't have to break his hand punching a helmet.
Lastly, dole out harsher penalties to individuals who want to fight people who aren't willing to engage in such behavior. Instead of giving the instigator a 5 minute major and the other player a 2 minute minor, give the instigator a match penalty to send out the message that this behavior is unacceptable.
So while fighting might be a lost art moving forward in the new NHL (one that is geared towards smaller, quicker, and more skilled players), when a teammate sees another teammate rushing to their rescue after a dirty hit, or a player trying to pick a fight with you--that sends the message of being an ultimate team player. Sure they may not want to be enforcers, but as long as they understand and are willing to accept their roles then that sends the ultimate message of doing anything for a team/teammates.
Great read!
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