Should The National Hockey League Be Without Fighting

What would the National Hockey League be without fighting? Over the years, hockey players have settled their differences through confrontations that have resulted in blood-stained jerseys and cheering crowds. Each team always has specific players that will fight during games to protect star players such as Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. Without the enforcers, these star players do not have the opportunity to flourish in the game. Patrons of the NHL come to games to see all the action and fast paced play, but also the possible fights that may occur. Fighting has evolved into part of the game that will be there until the end. Since the beginning

When it comes time to fight, they have no idea what to do. This is where the enforcers come into play. Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star states, “If you take fighting out of the game, you eliminate the players’ ability to regulate the violence in the game. That’s what fighting does. It’s not gratuitous. It’s not to sell tickets” (McGran 1). McGran is stating that once fighting is eliminated violence will increase without the fighters. Fighting is created more for the players safety, rather than to sell tickets. The main focus of any sport is to protect its star players, if not there wont be any real reason for the

Hockey would not be the sport that it is today without players throwing a few punches. The history of hockey proves how important it is to teams and fans. Controversy over the physical and emotional pain for the players does not hold enough evidence for fighting to be banned from the sport. Players choose to fight and they are aware of the consequences that will occur after the battle is over. Fighting should not be taken out of hockey because when two enforcers drop their gloves, both of the teams star players are protected. Also, the fighting between the players motivates teams to play better offense and defense after the fights occur. Furthermore, fighting has become more controlled. Referees are on the ice at all times to make sure things do not get beyond out of hand. In the NHL, fighting should continue to be a part of games and have the legacy of hockey remain for generations to