Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
There is virtually no evidence to believe that fighting serves any function as a deterrent. In fact, the opposite would seem to be the case, since dirty players have been a fixture in hockey since any one of us could remember. It never stopped Brian Marchment, or Raffi Torres, or Matt Cooke, or anyone else from doing some of the loathsome things that forged their reputations.
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By the same argument, cops shouldn't have guns because Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot Nathan Cirillo. Not everyone can be controlled, but that isn't evidence that control isn't effective.
Nevertheless, by the same argument, there is no evidence that fighting is any deterrent as you mentioned.
It's just my opinion, but I really do think that it gives the game a bit more of a 'keep them honest' approach than if it was removed entirely.