Fighting in Hockey
In the early 1960s, there was a fight in about 20% of NHL games. That percentage increased to 100% by the 1980s, when there was an average of one fight every game. [8] In 1992, the NHL introduced an instigator rule adding an extra two minutes in the penalty box for anyone caught starting a fight. [9] Fighting has since decreased: a fight broke out in 30-40% of NHL games from 2000-2012, and every season since 2013 has averaged under 30%. [2]
Keep it!
Side Score: 7
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Stop it!
Side Score: 5
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The need for fighting in proffessional hockey is a big thing. The act of a fight or big hit does more for momentum than one may think. The fight will also gain the player who was in the fight more respect for standing up for his team and trying to regain momentum for his team. Fights also bring more fans to the game. Many fans would like to see a higher level of physicality versus virtually none at all which is cool to watch, but not like a game with lots of physicality. Side: Keep it!
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point
So, we should just fight in all sports? Let's let the NBA and WNBA go all out and punch each other. It could create momentum in the game. Hey, why not stop there... gymnasts, instead of really working hard, let's just slam into the other players during their floor routine. IT would add so much to your sport. Side: Stop it!
1
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For every sport there is something that changes momentum. For example in basketball if someone absolutely posterizes a player from the opposing team it will get the whole team fired up and playing hard. Gymnasts slamming people? Are you talking about wrestling or MMA? Side: Keep it!
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Fighting can be the highlight of some games. The game might be close and someone needs to shift the momentum, the fight can also be able to do that. Also a game might be slow and the only thing that will entertain or make the game more enjoyable for the fans would be a fight. People may just watch NHL games just to watch the fights or big hits, but usually when a big hit occurs a fight tends to transpire shortly after the hit happened. Side: Keep it!
So, we are going to make sports reach the lowest common denominator? Okay. Then, let's just allow doping in baseball. Let's let anything illegal go because there are more homeruns, there are more action-related events. It must just be better. No rules... let's just be gladiators and kill each other. It worked for the Romans. Side: Stop it!
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Some hockey games all the enjoyment comes from big hits that evolve into fights. People go to some NHL games just to go and watch the fights. Fighting can be a huge momentum changer for some NHL teams when their having an off night. For example, if a team is down by a few goals in the last period they can send someone off the bench to go pick a fight and change the momentum. Fights can be game changing, and help a team win the game. Side: Keep it!
Yeah... slamming a basketball player into a wall would change the momentum too, but it is illegal because the damage it causes to the player isn't worth it. Yes, you're wearing pads, but so are football players, and they have decided to lessen the amount of violence in the game. Isn't the future ability to walk and think worth more than a cheap hit in hockey? Side: Stop it!
1
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I strongly believe that fighting should be kept in NHL hockey games to add to the excitement. Yes, hockey is a very physical sport, and many people believe that fighting only makes it worse. Though fighting usually does result in injuries, so does the actual game itself, so what good does removing hockey to prevent injuries do? Also, it is very unlikely that adult hockey players are going to back down from an opponent given the level of competitiveness they play their game at. Once in a game situation, the players are more physical and in their “zone”. They will be super unlikely to not fight, even if it is not allowed. Side: Keep it!
Hockey is truly a game based on passion. It is hard not to take things in a personal manner when the opponent is being making digs towards you or your teammates. For example, if someone just rocks you at center ice and it was completely uncalled for, then its an attack towards you as an individual. The player's in the NHL are using their skills to make a career for themselves, so they should be able to fight for their lively hoods. has to be a point and time when you have to have some pride as a person and defend yourself; even if that means that you have to throw a punch or two. Side: Keep it!
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1
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Hockey is not a sport of fighting. Yes there is checking but there is a difference between fighting and checking. People can get very hurt from one check and can even be paralyzed for life. Why is there a need for fighting in hockey when there is already so many physical encounters in the game. If you want to fight so bad join boxing or etc. hockey was not meant for fighting. The game is physical as it is Side: Stop it!
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