McGrattan ko'ed in the AHL

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by doctajones428

...Concussions and long term brain damage happens during regular play too, not just fights

We are still very unsure about the long-term effects as they are limited to absorbing multiple, frequent blows to the head in a hockey fight, or sustaining a head injury from a big hit.

I don't think that you can say the two things are the same. And in the light of growing concerns about head trauma, I am all for reducing incidents that are known to cause it. The elimination of fighting in hockey would most certainly work towards that reduction.

[Yamer]

Certainly, the unfortunate, ugly brutality of hockey was on display here. However, there is a brief moment that shows why, generally, this game is amazing and the athletes who play it are quality humans.

Did anyone see how quickly that Rampage player (Noreau?) got the trainer to McGrattan, a member of the opposing team?

Not saying this doesn't happen in other sports, but that little moment in the limited context of the clip was very affirming.

[StrykerSteve]

Jesus, I hope Brian is ok. That was hard to watch. #### those fans for cheering after he landed on his face.

[pylon]

Hang em up Big Ern. You don't have anything left to prove.

[Racki]

I fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to fighting. I used to love it but now I understand that it probably won't be around in the NHL much longer. But here's my concern - how do we police the game? When a guy like Kreider runs over Carey Price next time how do you stop that? Give him a two minute penalty for interference? I'm guessing he'll take that minor every day to knock the best goalie in the world outta the game. That's just one example. What happens when Ryan Kesler slashes Johnny and breaks his wrist? Do ya give him a good body check to teach him a lesson? It might be two years before you even get a chance. I don't know what the answer really is but I do worry to a certain extent that the scoundrels will take over the game. Now, I know that the quick argument is to say "how often does a fight even happen anymore when something like that happens?" Well, not very often I would say. How often will those plays happen though when the threat of getting punched in the eye no longer exists at all?

[JiriHrdina]

I don't think there is tangible proof that fighting is actually a deterrent. Plus it shouldn't be up to players to police themselves. That's up to the officials and league.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Racki

I fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to fighting. I used to love it but now I understand that it probably won't be around in the NHL much longer. But here's my concern - how do we police the game? When a guy like Kreider runs over Carey Price next time how do you stop that? Give him a two minute penalty for interference? I'm guessing he'll take that minor every day to knock the best goalie in the world outta the game. That's just one example. What happens when Ryan Kesler slashes Johnny and breaks his wrist? Do ya give him a good body check to teach him a lesson? It might be two years before you even get a chance. I don't know what the answer really is but I do worry to a certain extent that the scoundrels will take over the game. Now, I know that the quick argument is to say "how often does a fight even happen anymore when something like that happens?" Well, not very often I would say. How often will those plays happen though when the threat of getting punched in the eye no longer exists at all?

Fighting has never stopped that. It happened when fighting was common more than now.

Matthew Barnaby said it best (from Twitter today):

"Did the fear of getting a beating stop me from going after goalies??? No . Would a 10 game suspension and 200G fine?? u bet yeah"

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by polak

He's a fighter.

I bet if you give him the option to either play professional hockey for a living (and getting paid very well for it when he was in the NHL) vs. having a real job, he'll take getting KO'd like this on occasion and laugh all the way to the bank. Even if he has to stop at the hospital on the way.

Whether having that role in hockey is acceptable or not is a different story but I hardly feel bad for him? He got knocked out. Happens to professional fighters all of the time. If anyone thinks he's anything but a professional fighter then they should look at his stat sheet.

I'm okay with the fans cheering for the initial KO punch (like you wouldn't cheer if Iggy dropped Kesler) as long as they stop once they realize he might be seriously hurt and cheer for him once he gets up. Didn't watch the whole vid so I don't know if that happened.

What a god awful argument. I don't like fighting but would gladly get KO'd to be an NHLer, doesn't mean it's the right decision.

A lot of people would do dumb things to make a lot of money. Just admit it's dumb and don't be a hypocrite. McGrattan is not an expert on fighting in the NHL and its role on brain injuries. His opinion is 100% useless.

And I'm a huge McGrattan fan. One of my favourite Flames ever because of his role with Monahan and his sobriety story.

[polak]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

What a god awful argument. I don't like fighting but would gladly get KO'd to be an NHLer, doesn't mean it's the right decision.

A lot of people would do dumb things to make a lot of money. Just admit it's dumb and don't be a hypocrite. McGrattan is not an expert on fighting in the NHL and its role on brain injuries. His opinion is 100% useless.

And I'm a huge McGrattan fan. One of my favourite Flames ever because of his role with Monahan and his sobriety story.

What argument?

I clearly said that whether fighting has a place in hockey is definitely a different discussion. Just saying this is part of his role and he wouldn't change it for anything.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I don't think there is tangible proof that fighting is actually a deterrent. Plus it shouldn't be up to players to police themselves. That's up to the officials and league.

I've always thought sending (what many would deem) over reaction, over the top suspensions that could potential derail a guys career, for intentional (even avoidable) incidents.

Krieder on Price : rest of the playoffs + 8 regular season games. Over the top, kill the NYR playoffs hopes? Probably.

Slashes to the wrist (like the multiple ones Johnny has gotten) : 10 games, if it breaks his wrist, 25 games.

Head shots : starting at 10 games for intentional, maybe 5 for avoidable; repeat intentional incidents, perhaps even 20 games or half a season.

5 major suspensions and you are banned from the NHL.

Way over the top, but that would definitely make you not want to do these things that could potentially (or very likely, in some circumstances) kill your career.

[sureLoss]

Boring Sean Monahan @boringmonahan
I told Brian McGrattan he should put some ice on his head and he told me I should score more goals. He's so funny.

[Conroy4Mayor]

Originally Posted by doctajones428

Would it be hypocritical to enjoy hockey but not the injuries? It's a sport where guys with literal blades on their feet throw their bodies at speed at other guys to launch them into solid walls of hard plastic, aluminum and glass to gain possession of 6 oz of frozen rubber so they can fire it at another human being at 90+ mph while others throw their selves on the ice to block said frozen rubber with their mostly unprotected knees, ankles, hands and faces.

If you ask me fighting sounds safer than actually playing hockey

Sure, there are injuries in hockey, but the game is played for 60 minutes. If teams bareknuckle fought for 60 minutes, there would literally be fatalities. The comparison is ludicrous.

[cracher]

Brian's mom is a cooperators agent in Ontario and, through my family connections, I've met him a few times. You won't find a more friendly and down to earth guy anywhere. That video was brutal to watch... but you almost knew the honest and realistic tweets to lighten the situation were coming. Hope his mug heals quickly and completely and I hope his decision to return to work occurs after he reads the latest journals on getting your bell rung.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by blankall

No. They significantly soften the blow to the receiver as well. They also allow you to block punches with various parts of your body.

Wrong, boxing gloves were designed to protect the hands and to prolong fights, back in the day bare knuckle prize fights ended more often with broken hands than knockouts. The energy is the same hitting your head bare fisted or gloved and because less local injurys occure concussions are more likely with the use of gloves.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Such a weird situation. Fighting is bad and has to go, but guys like McGrattan would've never had an NHL career without it. No millions of dollars, no fame, and no lucrative NHL pension (compared to what they would get in the real world). Not sure they would trade it for anything in the world, but you'd have to ask them I suppose. I know I would take the risk if it meant an NHL career, but that's just me.

I'm not sure they see themselves in victims in all of this because I'm thinking they're all well aware of the truth (fighting = bad for your health). It's like an athlete doping or taking steroids to achieve more in their careers, or to prolong them. It's essentially the sacrifice of health for the benefits of riches and fame, it's hardly a new concept in the last few thousand years of human existence.

At some point the individual should assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions, no? Did any fighter actually not know that fighting is bad for you? Or are the risks ignored because of the tangible benefits one receives? These aren't children or slaves here, they're all grown, free men. I'm not sure how this can really be the NHL's fault at all. Other than if they knowingly deceived them on the nature of concussions (debatable). We all know concussions are very bad now, yet these men still CHOOSE to fight. Why?

I don't know if I agree with taking the option away from them entirely. Who would do that? The government? It has to come from the league, but who are we to say what people should or shouldn't do with their bodies? I guess MMA and boxing should be outlawed? I'm not a fan of either, or fighting in the NHL, but let's get serious here. Unless it's your life, you have no right to argue that it (fighting) should be taken away/outlawed. People should be educated about the risks and have access to quality medical care if/when needed... other than that, what else can we do as society? Or should I say, what should a small, vocal section of society do?

Anything, as far as I'm concerned. Except making it illegal (consenting adults and all that).

[doctajones428]

Originally Posted by Conroy4Mayor

Sure, there are injuries in hockey, but the game is played for 60 minutes. If teams bareknuckle fought for 60 minutes, there would literally be fatalities. The comparison is ludicrous.

My apologies.

*If you ask me a 30 second hockey fight sounds safer than actually playing hockey

Fixed for you

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

...I don't know if I agree with taking the option away from them entirely. Who would do that? The government? It has to come from the league, but who are we to say what people should or shouldn't do with their bodies?

Our society legislates against lots of things that are highly self destructive. Why not blood sports?

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

I guess MMA and boxing should be outlawed?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

I'm not a fan of either, or fighting in the NHL, but let's get serious here. Unless it's your life, you have no right to argue that it (fighting) should be taken away/outlawed.

Should we also allow people to tightrope walk between skyscrapers? Or to descend Niagara Falls in barrels? Or to base jump at will? Why not? After all, it's up to every individual to decide what's best for her, no?

Besides the individual risks, blood sports promote a barbaric and backward collective mindset that has no place in any functional aspect of modern society. As a form of entertainment, these activities are not socially productive. It's time to grow up, and do away with them.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by T@T

Wrong, boxing gloves were designed to protect the hands and to prolong fights, back in the day bare knuckle prize fights ended more often with broken hands than knockouts. The energy is the same hitting your head bare fisted or gloved and because less local injurys occure concussions are more likely with the use of gloves.

No. Sorry, intention behind introducing gloves aside, this is not correct. Physics dictate that the glove diminishes and distributes the location of the force of impact.

[doctajones428]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Our society legislates against lots of things that are highly self destructive. Why not blood sports?


Yes.


Should we also allow people to tightrope walk between skyscrapers? Or to descend Niagara Falls in barrels? Or to base jump at will? Why not? After all, it's up to every individual to decide what's best for her, no?

Besides the individual risks, blood sports promote a barbaric and backward collective mindset that has no place in any functional aspect of modern society. As a form of entertainment, these activities are not socially productive. It's time to grow up, and do away with them.

But hurling your 200 pound body at another individual at 20 mph is any better?

If two consenting adults want to fight in a controlled environment that has proper guidelines, regulations and safety protocols in place (Boxing, MMA), then they should be able to.

Tight roping, going down water falls and base jumping not only is dangerous for whoever is doing it, but it's dangerous for whoever may be in the area and for the rescue crews who have to respond if something goes wrong

[T@T]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

No. Sorry, intention behind introducing gloves aside, this is not correct. Physics dictate that the glove diminishes and distributes the location of the force of impact.

Maybe read my post again? I'll put it another way,instead of less broken orbital bones on the receiver they get more concussions.