Opinion of fighting in hockey

[New_Conservative]

I have been a hockey fan all my life, and the fighting debate has become increasingly heated over the past few years. I used to be totally against banning it, but now I am kind of neutral on the subject. I don't think banning fighting will be a negative to the NHL's bottom line, and it would not impact game play at all. I enjoy seeing the fights happen during some situations in the game, but in most situations I feel that they are unnecessary. I am pretty indifferent on this subject, I don't care either way. I'll watch and love the game no matter what.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

I'm a massive hockey fan and, like you, I used to be very much against banning it. Nowadays, with all of the information coming out about professional athletes literally being driven to suicide thanks to head injuries...I just can't morally support fighting. I also wish helmets in all sports were padded better.

[New_Conservative]

Just for context regarding feelings among NHL players,

This is from 2012, I'm sure if you look hard enough we could find some more updated numbers.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/once-again-nhl-players-voice-overwhelming-opposition-fighting-175557533.html

98% of players against banning fighting according to CBC/NHLPA Players' poll

[New_Conservative]

I'm a massive hockey fan and, like you, I used to be very much against banning it. Nowadays, with all of the information coming out about professional athletes literally being driven to suicide thanks to head injuries...I just can't morally support fighting. I also wish helmets in all sports were padded better.

It's going to happen eventually, whether if the Canadian or US government forces the NHL to, or they have to because of lawsuits.

Banning fighting is not going to impact the NHL's bottom line at all, most of the NHL hardcore fanbase is in Canada, and 66% of Canadians said that fighting should be banned.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2013/11/07/nhl_fighting_survey_shows_canadian_hockey_fans_want_ban_players_dont.html

[dead0man]

<old school

[DC Al Fine]

Frankly the fights are the only reason I watch my local club. The hockey isn't great.

[New_Conservative]

Frankly the fights are the only reason I watch my local club. The hockey isn't great.

The Mooseheads?

[© tweed]

it serves a purpose beyond the mere voyeuristic value.  without the goons being able to do their work, the targets on the back of the premier forwards would only get bigger.  it's easy to deliberately injure people in hockey.

[MaxQue]

I support a very gradual phase-out, over one decade or two.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Not banned in the NHL.......banned at everything below the AHL.

[Hatman 🍁]

No (self respecting Canadian)

[Dr. Cynic]

I like the fighting.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

No (self respecting Canadian)

[New_Conservative]

it serves a purpose beyond the mere voyeuristic value.  without the goons being able to do their work, the targets on the back of the premier forwards would only get bigger.  it's easy to deliberately injure people in hockey.

I agree with you on that.

[Hatman 🍁]

No (self respecting Canadian)

What's the matter? I thought Mr. gun tootling tough guy would love the fights.

[Boris]

I enjoyed fighting when I was six years old when Tie Domi and Bob Probert laid down the laws of the land. But nowadays I'm 24, Domi is retired, Probert is dead, and I find the likes of Daniel Carcillo more annoying than entertaining.

[dead0man]

I enjoyed fighting when I was six years old when Tie Domi and Bob Probert laid down the laws of the land. But nowadays I'm 24, Domi is retired, Probert is dead, and I find the likes of Daniel Carcillo more annoying than entertaining.

Both those guys were assholes.  You can be an enforcer and not be an asshole.  See Kelly Chase, Tony Twist and Stu Grimson.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

There's any other reason to watch Hockey?

[dead0man]

There's any other reason to watch Hockey?

It's a fun game to watch, especially in person.  It's fast (certainly the fastest sport played by more than 12 people world wide), there are hits, strategy and athleticism.  It can be hard to watch on TV, especially if you're new to the game, but it's a fine sport.  Probably has the most interesting playoffs in all of North American sport, especially game 7 OTs.  But I agree it's not for everyone...some people don't like an exciting, fast paced sport with big hits.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

No (self respecting Canadian)

What's the matter? I thought Mr. gun tootling tough guy would love the fights.

Oops, read the question wrong.....my fault.  I agree with you.....fight away!

[DemPGH]

Not a blanket ban, no. I can understand not allowing it with kids or at the junior level, but it should not be banned professionally.

[Simfan34]

My dad always says that if he was a dictator, he'd ban hockey. I probably would too. Clearly the fighting is integral to the sport, which is uncivilised and ridiculous.

[The Dowager Mod]

No fighting should not be banned in hockey.

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

As long as the players want to keep fighting, let them.  They know full well what kind of consequences can arise from a blow to the head.  I don't personally find it necessary, but it's so rooted in tradition and, as we've seen, the participants want to keep it. 

[Bojack Horseman]

Hell no, it's a tradition in hockey and it should be encouraged. But of course, the NCAA's official purpose is to ruin every sport, so fighting is an automatic ejection and 1 game suspension. They've ruined football with this targeting bulls**t too.