Fighting in Hockey

For the past couple of years, the NHL has been under fire over a certain rule. The NHL has been criticized over the fact that fighting is allowed in the sport. Ever since hockey was created, players have been fighting one another. However, something many people fail to realize is that it really does serve a purpose in the game. I have heard countless people say that there is no point to the fighting, and that they only fight each other because they don’t like each other. In some cases that’s true, but most of the time there is certainly a purpose for players to fight. As we all know, hockey is a very rough sport and is played very physically. With players who are 6’5 and weigh 220 pounds, and others who are 5’9 and weigh 180 pounds, there needs to be players who make sure that these larger more physical players don’t take liberties on their teammates who are smaller and more skilled. That’s where the enforcers come in. Teams will sign players for the sole reason of protection, and often times it works. These enforcers play a huge role for their team, since players on the opposing teams usually don’t want to scrap with someone who is paid to fight. Therefore, these opposing players don’t take runs at the smaller guys on this enforcer’s team, allowing the smaller and more skilled players more room, and peace of mind that their teammates have their back. And no that’s not the only reason for fighting, there are plenty more. Fights can bring momentum from one team to the other very quickly. Enforcers will fight each other to try and rally the troops, like an energy boost. Not only does it get the players going, the fans get into the game even more. Athletes are considered performers, and the first thing they want is to win, the second is put on a good show for all of the people watching. And yet another thing people don’t realize is the respect around the league that these enforcers have. On the ice enforcers fight each other, but off the ice they are in most cases good friends. They just about always have a great respect for their opponent. It’s a code amongst these tough guys. They have unwritten rules, such as don’t punch a guy when he’s on the ice, or when the linesmen are breaking up the fight. I’ve seen plenty of interviews of professional hockey players saying, that enforcers have the hardest job in sports. It isn’t easy to throw and take punches from someone who weighs 240 pounds. They are often the most liked guys in the locker room as well. It’s a thing that many people think is barbaric, but with no knowledge of the game, it’s easy to come to that conclusion.

Great video of the respect they have for one another (it comes closer to the end):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIf9tJATX9k