No other major team sport allows fighting. You know this.
Does NHL hockey allow fighting because it isn't confident that it will be sufficiently popular without it?
I watched a fight in the Ottawa-Toronto match just barely into the game. The fight had nothing to do with the game. It was just a show.
The player knocked out probably excited some viewers, but a very few were turned off. And that includes me. When I watch an NHL fight, if the fighters just do their thing without any significant damage, I can handle it. But what I saw in that game made me turn the channel.
Yes, I know you want me to find another sport such as curling.
But I've been watching hockey since the days of Henri Richard, and I don't want to watch anymore.
But I know I am a tiny minority, so please ignore my post.
No other major team sport allows fighting. You know this.
Does NHL hockey allow fighting because it isn't confident that it will be sufficiently popular without it?
I watched a fight in the Ottawa-Toronto match just barely into the game. The fight had nothing to do with the game. It was just a show.
The player knocked out probably excited some viewers, but a very few were turned off. And that includes me. When I watch an NHL fight, if the fighters just do their thing without any significant damage, I can handle it. But what I saw in that game made me turn the channel.
Yes, I know you want me to find another sport such as curling.
But I've been watching hockey since the days of Henri Richard, and I don't want to watch anymore.
But I know I am a tiny minority, so please ignore my post.
These guys are getting too big, and too strong to allow this to continue. Makes me sick seeing a guy hit the ice face first after getting ktfo. I love hockey fights as much as the next guy, but that wasn't a hockey fight.
Unless you know what it feels like to sit on the bench and watch a teammate drop the mitts with one of the toughest guys on the other team, you really cannot say it has no effect on the game.
Unless you know what it feels like to sit on the bench and watch a teammate drop the mitts with one of the toughest guys on the other team, you really cannot say it has no effect on the game.
It has a huge effect on both teams.
I doubt it's for the better in staged fights though.
These guys are getting too big, and too strong to allow this to continue. Makes me sick seeing a guy hit the ice face first after getting ktfo. I love hockey fights as much as the next guy, but that wasn't a hockey fight.
wrong.
KO's in the NHL are just as rare as they were back then. They dont happen often lets stop pretending they do
it would make for better "hockey", but would lose the "schoolyard" fight appeal that most fans understandably love.
i don't know that removing fighting would have the legitimizing affect some argue holds the sport back in the U.S, popularity-wise, but I also don't think it would do anything to reduce the support or ultimate enjoyment of the game for the vast majority of fans.
ultimately it's a very stupid element that is completely unnecessary, but just like the WWE is popular, appealing to the lowest common denominator is a very appealing marketing ploy, one i'm sure the NHL owners are loathe to give up... that is until someone dies
Unless you know what it feels like to sit on the bench and watch a teammate drop the mitts with one of the toughest guys on the other team, you really cannot say it has no effect on the game.
It has a huge effect on both teams.
of course, you're making the huge assumption that the only way the positive emotions of having someone stick up for you can be felt if punches are thrown, which is of course patently false.
Hockey without fighting would be alright, but I've got an even better idea of something way better. Hockey with fighting.
No, hockey without fighting would suck. Then the same people who had a problem with fighting would start petitioning to remove hitting. It would never end.
Not to sound rude but I really don't think anyone cares. Fighting isn't going anywhere, and I mean it's been such a huge part of the NHL for so long it would be ridiculous to ban it now.
I'm really split on this issue. As most hockey fans, I'm excited whenever I see a hockey fight. But on the other hand, seeing all the consequences it does to the brain, and I have to ask myself if it's really necessary. Unlike MMA or boxing, hockey would still be played and would still be exciting without the fights.
In the end, it should be an NHLPA decision. If the players want the fights, agree that they can get punched, knowing all the consequences it can have on the quality of life, then who am I to say it doesn't belong in the sport? But I'm curious about the results a secret vote on this issue would get among players.
Since I never received a punch from a 6'6" guy on a NHL rink, I'll also surely won't defend fighting blindly as if it was just harmless fun. I love the show, but those doing the show should be the only ones to have a say in this.
Some players (if not more for the endurance aspect) take boxing and such classes to improve on their fighting and strength and what not. Players join this league knowing the variables, and do what it takes to get the job done and make the big bucks. Hence why they do make the big bucks... They understand the possibilities going into a fight, and it is also reasoning as to why star players don't tend to fight, and grinders do.
And KO's are not common. Whoever says they are is just lying.
No, hockey without fighting would suck. Then the same people who had a problem with fighting would start petitioning to remove hitting. It would never end.
Too bad. You're missing pretty good playoff hockey, I tell you.
