Ex-NHL executive takes firm stance on the importance of fighting in hockey
Over the last 25 years, we have seen a pretty consistent decline in fights-per-game in the NHL. In 1998, there was an average of just over 0.8 fights-per-game and over the years, we have seen that number drop as low as 0.18 fights per game, as recently as 2020. With fights-per-game on the decline, we have also seen a drastic shortage of enforcers and "tough guys" in the NHL. Many new fans don't like fighting or agree with it remaining a part of the game, and fail to understand the significance it has in hockey.
Fighting isn't a just an excuse to drop the gloves and celebrate violence, as many new hockey fans see it, but rather as a way for players to police the game themselves. Following a dirty hit or some other type of play which a team might take exception to, specifically if it leads to an injury of a star player, a teammate might drop the gloves with the perpetrator to ward off similar behaviour in the future or to ensure that justice is upheld on the ice. It's a way for teams to ensure that players don't get to take free shots or liberties on players like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews. It's one of the reasons why the Leafs went out and signed Ryan Reaves this off-season and why they brought in Wayne Simmonds a few years ago. The goal of fighting in hockey is to protect the team's star players and to send a warning to the opposing team that there are no free shots allowed.
Ex-Leafs GM and Penguins President of Hockey Ops Brian Burke spoke about fighting on a recent podcast appearance. Burke, who is as old school as they come, has always believed in truculence, tenacity and physicality. Needless to say, Burkie does not want fighting to leave the game. He's even willing to throw down, if necessary, to keep fighting in hockey.
"I will personally fight anyone who tries to get rid of fighting. I'll kick their ass," said Burke when asked about fighting in the NHL.
Far be it for any of us to tell the guys in the locker rooms how to feel about the issue. I'm sure plenty of players recognize the value that fighting still has in hockey, even if it does seem somewhat archaic or barbaric. Sometimes, the threat of retribution is enough to make a guy think twice about delivering a cheap shot. Until the game is in a place where cheap shots and liberties are no longer taken, I personally don't see fighting being completely eliminated from hockey.
| POLL | ||
Are you for or against fighting in hockey? | ||
| Love fighting in hockey | 50 | 79.4 % |
| I'm against fighting in hockey | 4 | 6.3 % |
| Don't care either way | 8 | 12.7 % |
| See Results | 1 | 1.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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