Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Hockey as "sport"
Let me get this out right off the bat. I hate hockey because of all the fighting. No one has ever given me a good reason why it's condoned. It's not because hockey is violent. Ever watch a NFL football game? Think them guys are a bunch of wimps? I doubt there's a NFL game that goes by where someone isn't seriously hurt by a legitimate play. But let a player swing at another or god forbid, touch a ref, and if not history, he's good for 15 yards at least and most probably a fine later. Two hockey players swing and the refs hold their sticks for them while they go at it.
Don't get me wrong. Hockey players are skilled athletes. The way they swarm around the ice and handle the puck are admirable skills. Beating each other senseless isn't. I can't believe the sport of hockey would lose anything if fighting was outlawed. Take a glove off, and you're out of the game and the other team gets to shoot one on one with the goalie.
And if hockey players/fans really need the violence to make it a game, require the players to play without protective gear. With the puck and sticks and razor sharp skates flying around there'd soon be enough blood to keep everyone happy.
From what I understand, fighting isn't tolerated on college or younger teams. At what age or skill level does beating someone up become acceptable?
2fers: National Hockey League and Rassling
