Burke article on Fighting in the NHL

[AltaGuy]

I've switched from "pro" to "anti" fighting over the last few years. My biggest reason is this: I think someone will die during an NHL fight in the next twenty years, and that will likely end it once and for all - while leaving a giant black mark on this sport.

I would rather not have someone die in order to make changes to the game. Watching Parros' jaw hit the ice earlier this season was almost it. It sickened me what happened, and what could've happened.

Collisions in hockey could produce a death as well, there is no denying it. But I feel a death is far more likely - and far less intrinsic to the game - if it happens during a fight.

That's where it's headed. And that'll be the tragic end of it in my opinion.

[Zevo]

Originally Posted by Itse

Would you mind not act like you're a telepath?

Hits are a different discussion. If you want to open up a thread about what to do about dangerous hits in hockey, feel free.

As to why hits and fights are different: Hits are in the rules, fights are not. Simple as that really.

I believe that the game would be better if the rules were followed. I think the idea that hockey should be refereed by the players themselves outside the written rules is unhealthy, and propagates an unhealthy culture of physical play that makes the game less entertaining and dangerous in an unnecessary way.

I also think the idea that players "police themselves" gives the league an excuse to not properly crack down on violent play.

Less entertaining to who, you? Since I'm not a telepath I'm guessing neither are you so you are only speaking for yourself. I'm totally fine if fighting is phased out, as long as it's the players initiative. It's the knee-jerk reactions by some fans who think they know better than the people that actually live and play the game that I disagree with.

I understand that some people don't like fighting, that's fine, we all like different things. I just wish some wouldn't cloak their argument in player safety...it's disingenuous. How about getting rid of the carbon fiber sticks...Giordano and Stempniak most likely wouldn't be injured. Want to cut down on concussions? Have the players tighten their fracken chin straps on their helmets. Those changes alone would protect players more than getting rid of fighting. How about make the ice surface larger...players are bigger and faster, surely that would help. So many ways...

[Clarkey]

Wow, suddenly everyone on the board now supports fighting again.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Redrum

While we're on the point, skates keep cutting players. I say the NHL switches to rollerblades. Also when hard shots hit players the puck can break bones, they should switch to foam pucks.

Cripes that's a dumb point to make

[strombad]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Cripes that's a dumb point to make

Well, you tried to make the point that Burke couldn't be objective because he played 70 games in the AHL almost 40 years ago.

So I suppose we all make mistakes.

[puckluck2]

Originally Posted by Zevo

Less entertaining to who, you? Since I'm not a telepath I'm guessing neither are you so you are only speaking for yourself. I'm totally fine if fighting is phased out, as long as it's the players initiative. It's the knee-jerk reactions by some fans who think they know better than the people that actually live and play the game that I disagree with.

I understand that some people don't like fighting, that's fine, we all like different things. I just wish some wouldn't cloak their argument in player safety...it's disingenuous. How about getting rid of the carbon fiber sticks...Giordano and Stempniak most likely wouldn't be injured. Want to cut down on concussions? Have the players tighten their fracken chin straps on their helmets. Those changes alone would protect players more than getting rid of fighting. How about make the ice surface larger...players are bigger and faster, surely that would help. So many ways...

You know they can still make those changes AND ban fighting? They aren't connected at all. Biased post is biased.

[puckluck2]

Nm.