I'm gonna be that guy and say it straight up. I'm in the camp that I grew up with violent, bloody, Bob Probert fight card, Scott Stevens head shot hockey. And as bad as it was for the players health, it was 10 times more entertaining as a fan. They were true gladiators. We are slowly seeing the transformation to soccer on ice. What Ferland did last year against Vancouver was touted as this amazing physical performance. 15 years ago, it was just the way the game was played. It used to be you bragged to other sports fans that hockey players were the toughest athletes alive... I don't know if you can say that anymore. Because they aren't.
Yes the game has changed for the better for the players. But it has lost a significant amount of emotional investment for fans. So it's a catch 22. The players want longer careers and better health, which is 100% understandable. But the fans want the entertaining barn burners of the 80's, which is also understandable. Scientifically the game is better. But the game as a whole is losing it's edge.
When you grew up with V8 obnoxious muscle cars, it's really, really tough to get into Tesla's. Even if they are faster and more refined. They just don't have that same crazy character. And the NHL has completely lost that side of itself.
For me, it's not that I am losing interest in the Flames, as much as I am losing interest in the entire game. People mocked me 10 years ago, when I said we are headed for women Olympic rules, and full cages. In 10 years, the game will be there. Hitting is already half eliminated, as every player is terrified now to catch a guy off guard and get 10 games for an accident. Also, minor hockey is becoming pussified to to the point, that hitting will be gone within a decade. I would also wager significant money, they will be using foam pucks within 20 years.
I understand the reasoning, and I understand the health implications. It doesn't mean I have to enjoy it. Once hitting is eliminated, I'm done with the game.
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