I disagree and I do not think I am kidding myself. But I will suggest an alternate theory for why fighting is still in the game today and not going anywhere soon.
Whether you like it or not, North American society is in love with paying big dollars to witness violence in the form of sport.
The professional sport of hockey cannot afford to lose the entertainment value (and revenue dollars) of fighting. And I think the league and the players are sophisticated enough to know and understand that.
As a measure of what Canadian society thinks, the Criminal Code of Canada makes it illegal to engage in a "Prize Fight"...and then proceeds to list numerous examples of "combative sport with fists hands or feet" plus boxing, plus MMA which, if the province gives permission to a match, are therefore not a "Prize Fight."
So literally, if a province sanctions two people bare-fist beating the hell out of each other (for the sake of it itself...not just incidental to a dynamic full-contact sport) then it is entirely lawful. Consensual fights in the parking lot outside the bar are also still lawful (though some municipalities hand out tickets for fighting). Go figure.
In 10 years if we still have boxing and MMA as government-sanctioned violence events then what principled basis is there to remove fighting entirely from the sport of hockey? Especially when as was pointed out earlier in this thread, fighting is already not allowed by the rules and is penalized?
Would it not seem silly to have NHL Hockey in the Dome one night with automatic career expulsion should two players throw a few punches and then the next night fill the same building to watch numerous guys who are actually called "fighters" pounding each other as the object of the event?
Now, maybe you will say that we should also end boxing and MMA, but as reflected by norms codified in criminal law and the popularity of such events in current society, I do not think you will see boxing or MMA disappear...well...ever.
We regulate the events, and license and monitor them...and then consume the entertainment value of those events at extraordinary levels.
Forbes says the value of just the UFC
brand name was US$460 million in 2015. The previous year the value of the UFC as a business was pegged at
US$1.65 billion.
If you think those in the business of pro hockey never discuss how much fighting brings to their overall take of North American entertainment dollars then it is you who I think is kidding himself.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/sports...853/story.html
http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/ufc-pla...list-1.2595642
Fighting is just right where I expect it will stay in hockey for possibly...well...ever.
The exclusive goon is all but eliminated. Instigator and aggressor rules operate to significantly reduce instances of unsafe beatings. Rules prevent taking off the helmet as part of an overt show-fight. Players themselves are much more alive to concerns of long-term health risks. And for many many fans (I know, not all fans) hockey fights remain one of the most exciting events in a game that is second to none for its intensity.
Now, full disclosure, I fought a fair bit on the ice from 18-21. I assure you I did not always win. And I will not lie and say if my son one day plays the way I did that it will not make me nervous and even scared at times.
When players get hurt fighting it makes me cringe. But no more or less than when they get hit from behind or an elbow to the head or a puck to the teeth (which I have also experienced).
If players are not constantly pushing the limits of what their bones can take before breaking, or their muscles can take before tearing, or their heads can take before concussing, then the game is not what it is. Fighting is certainly not necessary in hockey. But a fight can change the entire dynamic on the ice and get a team a win they would otherwise not get. A fight (or the threat of one) can prevent a player from getting hurt by rough or dirty plays. I know I took different liberties in games depending on who was dressed for my opposition.
Puck speeds over 100 mph are also not necessary in hockey. Get rid of carbon graphite and other materials in sticks and the game would be materially safer. And less exciting.
In fact why allow bodychecks or slap-shots at all? Player longevity would skyrocket to all-time highs.
Right, because it would be old-guy no-hit no-fight beer league and last I checked nobody will pay to come watch that.