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Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames
Might you be able to tell me what was the cause of death from ice hockey? I seem to believe it was a nasty bertuzzi like hit from a euro league where fighting doesn't necessary police the game as it does in the NHL.
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If you are intending to ask what was the cause of death of the one player in NHL history who has died, Bill Masterton died after hitting his (unprotected) head against the ice following a hit. The hit was clean, and it has been suggested that he was already playing despite a pre-existing head injury. (i.e.: the 'tough guy' attitude of hockey, especially in the 60s).
However, there has been at least one player dying from a fight (senior hockey in Ontario a few years ago), and at least one of a player dying from a skate blade (Europe, some time ago). There are several ways someone can be seriously injured in hockey, and indeed, anything - including a fight - can result in fatal consequences.
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People taking such a strong stance should get their priorities straight if so concerned about the safety of players. History suggests that fights are not nearly as detrimental to player health.
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In the context you present - risk of career ending injury or death - I agree entirely. The "take fighting out of hockey because of CTE" argument is borderline hypocritical if the same people cheer any good bodycheck.