When it comes to hockey, there are certain moves that players use to gain an edge over their opponents. One such move is called a slewfoot, and it’s one of the most dangerous moves in the game. For those who may not be familiar, a slewfoot is when a player uses their leg to trip or knock another player off balance from behind, causing them to fall to the ice. It may seem like a harmless move, but the reality is that it can cause serious injuries to players and has even led to career-ending incidents.
Despite its dangers, many players continue to use slewfooting as a way to gain an advantage on the ice. In recent years, the NHL has taken steps to crack down on this dangerous move, increasing penalties and even handing out suspensions for players who are caught slewfooting. But despite these efforts, the move still remains a controversial topic in the world of hockey.
If you’re a hockey fan or player, it’s important to understand the dangers of slewfooting and how it can impact the game. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of slewfooting, the most controversial incidents in NHL history, and how players are taking a stand against this dangerous move. So buckle up and get ready to learn the shocking truth about slewfooting in hockey.
Are you ready to take your hockey knowledge to the next level? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this dangerous move and how it’s impacting the game we all love.
Table of Contents
Why Slewfooting is the Most Dangerous Move in Hockey
Among all the dangerous moves in hockey, slewfooting is the most dangerous one that can lead to severe injuries. This move involves tripping an opponent by sweeping their legs while they are moving forward, causing them to fall backward violently. The victim can hit their head on the ice or boards and get concussions, spinal cord injuries, or other serious injuries.
While this move is illegal in hockey, it still happens frequently, and players who perform it often get away with it. This article will examine why slewfooting is the most dangerous move in hockey and the long-lasting effects it can have on a player’s health and career.
The Anatomy of a Slewfoot
The act of slewfooting involves a player sweeping the legs of their opponent, which causes them to lose balance and fall backward. This move is particularly dangerous because it takes the player by surprise, and they cannot brace themselves for the fall. The victim can fall backward, hitting their head or neck on the ice, leading to concussions, neck or spinal cord injuries, and even paralysis.
The Consequences of Slewfooting
- Concussions – A player can suffer a severe concussion when they fall backward and hit their head on the ice. This can cause memory loss, dizziness, headaches, and other long-lasting effects.
- Spinal cord injuries – When a player falls backward violently and hits their head, they can suffer a spinal cord injury that can lead to paralysis or other long-lasting effects.
- Long-term effects – Even if a player does not suffer a severe injury, they can still suffer long-lasting effects that can affect their career and quality of life. These can include chronic pain, headaches, and memory loss.
The Need to Eliminate Slewfooting
Given the potential long-lasting effects of slewfooting, it’s essential to eliminate this move from the game of hockey. The league needs to enforce stricter penalties and suspensions for players who perform slewfooting. Coaches also need to educate their players on the dangers of this move and discourage them from performing it.
Overall, slewfooting is the most dangerous move in hockey due to its potential to cause severe injuries and long-lasting effects on players. The league needs to take stricter measures to eliminate this move from the game and protect its players from harm.
The History of Slewfooting: From Ignored Penalty to Game Misconduct
Slewfooting is a dangerous tactic in hockey that involves tripping an opponent by sweeping their legs out from under them. The move has a long and controversial history, with some players using it as a strategic advantage while others decry it as dirty and unsportsmanlike. In recent years, the NHL has cracked down on slewfooting, imposing harsher penalties on players who use the move.
The origins of slewfooting are murky, but the move likely dates back to the early days of hockey. It was not until the 1970s that the NHL officially recognized slewfooting as a penalty, with players who committed the infraction receiving a two-minute minor penalty.
The Evolution of Slewfooting in the NHL
Despite the penalty, slewfooting remained a common tactic in the NHL throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Some players even perfected the move to the point where they could perform it without drawing a penalty. However, as awareness of the dangers of the move grew, the NHL began to crack down on slewfooting with stricter penalties.
The Controversy Surrounding Slewfooting
- Some players argue that slewfooting is a legitimate tactic that can help them gain an advantage on the ice.
- Opponents of slewfooting, including many fans and former players, argue that the move is dirty and has no place in the game.
- The debate over the legitimacy of slewfooting continues to rage on among hockey fans and players alike.
The Consequences of Slewfooting
- Slewfooting can cause serious injury, especially if the player who is tripped lands awkwardly or hits their head on the ice.
- In recent years, the NHL has cracked down on slewfooting with stricter penalties, including game misconducts and suspensions.
- Despite the harsher penalties, some players continue to use slewfooting as a tactic, putting themselves and their opponents at risk.
As the debate over the legitimacy of slewfooting continues, it is clear that the move is a dangerous one that can cause serious injury. Whether or not it has a place in the game of hockey remains a hotly contested topic.
Top 5 Most Controversial Slewfooting Incidents in NHL History
Slewfooting is a dangerous move that can result in serious injury, and it has been a point of contention in the NHL for many years. Here are the top 5 most controversial slewfooting incidents in NHL history:
Matt Cooke’s Slewfoot on Ryan McDonagh
- In 2011, Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins slewfooted Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers, resulting in a game misconduct and suspension.
- The incident sparked controversy over Cooke’s history of dirty play and raised questions about the NHL’s disciplinary measures.
- Slewfooting, Matt Cooke, and Ryan McDonagh were hotly debated topics in the NHL community following this incident.
Milan Lucic’s Slewfoot on Danny DeKeyser
- In 2014, Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins slewfooted Danny DeKeyser of the Detroit Red Wings, resulting in a $5,000 fine.
- The incident caused controversy over the NHL’s disciplinary measures and raised questions about the severity of the punishment.
- Slewfooting, Milan Lucic, and Danny DeKeyser were widely discussed topics in the NHL community following this incident.
Duncan Keith’s Slewfoot on Daniel Sedin
- In 2012, Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks slewfooted Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks, resulting in a five-game suspension.
- The incident caused controversy over the severity of the punishment and raised questions about Keith’s history of dirty play.
- Slewfooting, Duncan Keith, and Daniel Sedin were hotly debated topics in the NHL community following this incident.
Continued in the next section…
How NHL Players are Taking a Stand Against Slewfooting
Slewfooting has been a controversial topic in the NHL for years, and while penalties and suspensions have helped to deter the dangerous move, players are also taking matters into their own hands to put a stop to it.
Recently, many NHL players have been speaking out against slewfooting and taking action to prevent it. From calling out opponents who use the move, to supporting harsher penalties and enforcement, players are making their stance known.
Public Callouts
- Some players have taken to social media to publicly call out opponents who have used the dangerous move.
- By bringing attention to these incidents, players hope to discourage others from using slewfooting and create a safer playing environment.
Supporting Harsher Penalties
- Many players have also voiced their support for harsher penalties and enforcement for slewfooting.
- By advocating for stricter consequences, players hope to send a message that the dangerous move will not be tolerated.
Education and Awareness
- Finally, players are also working to educate themselves and others about the dangers of slewfooting.
- By raising awareness and promoting safer playing techniques, players hope to prevent injuries and make the game safer for everyone.
Overall, it is clear that NHL players are taking a stand against slewfooting and working to create a safer playing environment for all. Through public callouts, advocating for harsher penalties, and promoting education and awareness, players are sending a clear message that this dangerous move will not be tolerated in the NHL.
Protecting Yourself Against Slewfooting: Tips from NHL Players
As the danger of slewfooting becomes more prevalent in NHL games, players are taking measures to protect themselves. Here are some tips from NHL players on how to stay safe on the ice:
Be aware of your surroundings. Always be mindful of the players around you, especially if they have a history of slewfooting. Stay alert and keep your feet moving to avoid getting caught off guard.
Use proper body positioning.
- Keep your knees bent and your weight on the balls of your feet.
- Keep your stick on the ice to provide additional balance.
- Keep your head up to avoid getting blindsided.
Speak up if you witness slewfooting.
If you witness slewfooting during a game, don’t hesitate to speak up. Report the incident to the officials or your coach to help prevent it from happening again.
By staying aware of your surroundings, using proper body positioning, and speaking up when necessary, you can help protect yourself against the dangerous practice of slewfooting. It’s important to take action to keep yourself and other players safe on the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a slewfoot in hockey?
A slewfoot in hockey is a dangerous move where a player uses their leg or foot to trip an opponent from behind while simultaneously knocking their legs out from under them, causing them to fall backward onto the ice. The NHL has strict rules against this type of play, which is considered a penalty.
How is slewfooting penalized in hockey?
Slewfooting is typically penalized with a two-minute minor penalty in hockey. However, if the player who is slewfooted is injured as a result of the play, the offending player may receive a major penalty and a game misconduct, which carries a more severe punishment.
What are the potential dangers of being slewfooted?
The potential dangers of being slewfooted include head injuries, neck injuries, and spinal cord injuries, among others. When a player is slewfooted, they can fall backward onto the ice at a high speed and with little control, putting them at risk for serious injury.
Why is slewfooting dangerous in hockey?
Slewfooting is dangerous in hockey because it can result in serious injuries to the player who is being tripped. When a player is slewfooted, they can fall backward onto the ice at a high speed and with little control, putting them at risk for head, neck, and spinal cord injuries.
What are some ways to protect yourself against slewfooting in hockey?
Some ways to protect yourself against slewfooting in hockey include keeping your head up, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding turning your back to an opponent. It’s also important to wear the proper protective equipment, such as a helmet and neck guard, to minimize the risk of injury.
Can slewfooting result in a suspension in the NHL?
Yes, slewfooting can result in a suspension in the NHL. Depending on the severity of the infraction and the player’s history of disciplinary action, a player who is caught slewfooting may receive a suspension ranging from one to five games or more.