No, no damage to Hockey, but still an embarassment to a sport that is already facing trying times.

 

I agree with that. An embarassment to the goons of hockey, too.

 

That actually gives me an idea. How about *strictly* enforcing the roughing and fighting rules in hockey and having one of these clobber-fests after the game. The hockey fans could watch some improved hockey and the morons could stay after the game and see what they came for. Everybody goes home happy... the real hockey fans and me after the game.

 

Actually I think that's one area that has been sufficiently enforced the past few years, Jed.

 

Not sure I agree. Rules in general are flouted. Fighting is somewhat curbed compared to the roaring '80s but still too loosey goosey.

 

Now that is just about the stupid thing I've ever heard of. I hope the promoter loses his ass on that and they lock up the goons that participate.

 

I think the balance right now is pretty good. Hockey was never really intended to be a clean game.

As a counterpoint, fighting is all but prohibited in college hockey, and roughing penalties are frequently given as majors. The end result is a lot more slashing and cross checking and guys taking cheap shots in the corner behind the ref. Guys can't drop the gloves to protect themselves because it's an automatic suspension.

The European game is similar. While I enjoy the flow and speed of it, it's never going to work as well on our smaller ponds, nor do I think it will sell with the traditional hockey crowd.

 

Rugby isn't a wussy game but fighting is rare. Traditional Hockey crowds? I don't think the 'traditional' hockey crowds, those who grew up with the game and whose parents and their parents grew up with the game, have much desire for the fighting or the cheap shots. In fact I'm fairly certain they don't. It's not the traditional hockey fan who is looking for fights.

The college and Euro model of hockey isn't a bad one to follow. If the ref's wanted to clean up the slashing and cross checking they could do that as well. Can they stop cheating? No. Look at non contact sports like basketball and waterpolo. But they could improve it by enforcing the rule.

Silly to have rules you aren't going to enforce. Game is sillier without them though.

 

 

More good news!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2087057