Fights have been a big part of the hockey game right from the inception of the National Hockey League in 1917 in Montreal. While some lovers of the sport consider the brawling phenomenon a serious issue, others take it as part of the tradition.
Suspensions are placed on hockey players that attempt to hurt other players with their sticks as weapons. Nevertheless, if two players engage in what seems to be a ‘clean fight,’ less severe penalties are suffered. It would be an interesting concept if a Canadian bookmaker allowed bets on whether a fight would take place in an NHL game, wouldn’t it?
The Start of Brawling in the NHL
It only seemed natural that fights would break out sooner than later from the start of the NHL. Hockey players were moving fast and trying to get the puck in tight spaces. Fighting for the ball was typical in games, and as a result, several bodies were smashing into one another.
The physicality of the sport was applauded by the audience and players alike. Nothing was made to change this factor. Fighting was accepted as an intimidation tactic used to gain the upper hand over another opposing team.
The rules also recognized this part of the sport. According to the guidelines, a fight doesn’t lead to expulsion from the game but attracts a five-minute penalty.
Introduction of Fighters into Pro Hockey
The 1970s saw this prevalent Canadian sports teams introduce players with a penchant for fighting to games. These fighters were given the job of intimidating teams by brawling to gain an advantage against the opposition. Most of the 1970s were filled with free-for-all fights between players, with referees unable to prevent them.
To checkmate this trend, the NHL introduced the ‘third man’ rule. Anyone who joined a fight would be expelled from a game, with a possibility of an average eight-game suspension. This encouraged one on one fights.
A rule change in 1992 placed a slightly heavier penalty on players who started fights. A player who creates the fight’s circumstances would be ejected for seven minutes. Up till today, referees hardly punish players for starting a fight.
Disagreements between Fans about NHL Fights
Professionals like medical experts, reporters, and officials in the legislative space have called for heavier penalties on hockey fights. These professionals’ major point is that continuous fighting gradually drives fans apart from the game. They also contend that the younger generation are opposed to games that allow brawling.
Opinions have come out from different corners criticizing the hypocrisy of the NHL to opposing concussions and still encouraging players to hit each other in the head. The trend over time has depicted a minute drop in NHL match fights.
Apart from the NHL and North American leagues, hockey fights are practically non-existent. For instance, hockey in the Olympic Games and women’s hockey has been reduced to the bare minimum. Nevertheless, a staggering number of fans still defend fighting as an integral part of the game.
Conclusion
The fighting started as a tradition in matches from the start of the NHL. Referees have done little to discourage them as fans and teams consider them tactical strategies. The 1970s saw brawlers introduced to NHL teams, and that kickstarted the inception of one-on-one fights.
Nevertheless, although fighting is widely accepted as a natural phenomenon, some lovers of the sport oppose it. They opine that it drives people away from the sport.
