Hockey is an intense sport that requires skill, strength, and strategy. While many people are familiar with the common rules and regulations of the game, there are some tactics that remain a mystery to most viewers. One such tactic is submarining. In this article, we will explore the enigma of submarining in hockey, uncovering its origins, effects, and consequences.
At its core, submarining involves a player deliberately going low to take out an opponent’s legs. While it may seem like a relatively new issue, this tactic has been around for quite some time. As we dive deeper into the world of submarining, we will examine its history and how it has evolved over the years.
While some may argue that submarining is just a part of the game, others believe that it poses a significant danger to players on the ice. In this article, we will explore both sides of the debate and analyze the potential consequences of this controversial tactic. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of submarining in hockey and the impact it has on the game.
Get ready to discover the truth behind one of the most mysterious tactics in hockey. From its origins to its modern-day implications, we will leave no stone unturned in our exploration of submarining. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is Submarining in Hockey?
Submarining in hockey is a controversial tactic that involves a player intentionally going low to hit an opponent’s knees, causing them to fall and potentially injure themselves. This dangerous move is often considered a dirty play and is highly frowned upon in the sport. The term “submarining” comes from the way the player appears to dive down like a submarine to make the hit.
One of the reasons why submarining is so dangerous is that it can result in serious injuries to the player being hit. The knee is a delicate joint and is highly susceptible to injury, especially when hit from the side or back at a high speed. In addition to the physical harm, this tactic can also have serious consequences on the integrity of the game.
Despite being against the rules, some players still use submarining as a way to gain an advantage over their opponents. The NHL has implemented various measures to deter players from using this tactic, such as suspensions and fines. However, it continues to be a problem in the sport.
It’s important to note that not all hits that appear to be submarining are intentional. In some cases, the player may be attempting to make a clean hit but misjudge their positioning, leading to a low hit. Regardless of the intent, the consequences of this move can be severe, which is why it’s important to understand the impact of submarining on the sport of hockey.
Definition of Submarining
Submarining is a dangerous tactic in ice hockey where a player intentionally ducks or dives at an opponent’s feet with the intention of tripping them up. The term comes from the idea of a submarine diving underwater and attacking a ship from below, as the act of tripping from below can be dangerous and potentially cause serious injury to the targeted player.
The NHL rulebook defines submarining as “an act of a defensive player who throws his body or lowers his body position to cause an attacking player to trip or fall,” and it is considered a penalty in the league. This tactic is often used as a last resort to stop an opposing player from scoring, but it is frowned upon due to the risk of injury.
Submarining is not to be confused with diving, where a player intentionally falls to the ice in an attempt to draw a penalty. Submarining is an aggressive and dangerous act that can result in serious injury, while diving is a form of simulation that can result in a penalty for the player.
It’s important to note that not all instances of players falling or tripping are submarining. Accidental falls, collisions, or incidental contact can also cause a player to trip or fall. The key difference between these incidents and submarining is the intent behind the action.
Examples of Submarining in Hockey
Claude Lemieux: During the 1996 Western Conference Finals, Claude Lemieux, then of the Colorado Avalanche, submarined Detroit Red Wings’ Kris Draper into the boards, causing a facial injury that required multiple surgeries.
Chris Pronger: In the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger received a one-game suspension for a submarine hit on Ottawa Senators’ Dean McAmmond.
Brad Marchand: Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins has a reputation for using dirty tactics, including submarining. In 2018, he received a five-game suspension for elbowing New Jersey Devils’ Marcus Johansson in the head after a submarine hit.
Marty McSorley: In 2000, former NHL player Marty McSorley was convicted of assault with a weapon after striking Vancouver Canucks’ Donald Brashear in the head with his stick in a deliberate submarine move.
Why is Submarining Considered Dangerous?
Submarining is considered one of the most dangerous actions in hockey, and for good reason. When a player performs a submarine hit, they are deliberately putting themselves and their opponent at risk of injury.
One of the main reasons why submarining is so dangerous is that it often involves a player being hit at or below the knees. This type of hit can cause serious knee injuries, including torn ligaments and broken bones, which can have long-term effects on a player’s career.
Another reason why submarining is so dangerous is that it can lead to head and neck injuries. When a player is hit from behind and thrown forward, they may be unable to brace themselves for impact and could end up hitting their head on the ice, boards, or another player’s body.
In addition to the physical injuries that can result from submarining, the tactic can also have psychological effects on players. The fear of being submarined can cause players to hesitate on the ice, which can impact their performance and make them more vulnerable to other types of hits.
Risk of Injury to Players
Submarining in hockey is dangerous because it puts players at risk of serious injury. When a player dives at another player’s legs, there is a high chance that the targeted player will suffer an injury to their knees, ankles, or other lower body parts.
Players who are submarined can suffer from sprains, strains, tears, and even broken bones. These injuries can sideline players for weeks, months, or even end their careers.
Furthermore, players who are targeted by a submariner may retaliate, leading to fights and further injury risks.
The NHL has taken steps to eliminate submarining from the game to protect its players, but it remains a dangerous tactic used by some players.
How Does Submarining Affect the Players and the Game?
Physical and Mental Impact on Players – When a player falls victim to a submarine hit, the result can be devastating. They may suffer serious injuries that can affect their ability to play for the rest of the game or even the rest of the season. The hit can also have psychological effects on the player, causing them to become wary of their opponents and changing their style of play.
Disruption of Game Flow – Submarining can disrupt the flow of the game, causing it to become choppy and disjointed. This can result in stoppages of play, delays, and ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment of the sport. The time it takes to assess and treat injured players can also slow down the pace of the game and disrupt its rhythm.
Impact on Team Strategy – When a key player is taken out of the game due to a submarining hit, it can have a significant impact on the team’s strategy. Coaches may need to make changes to their game plan and substitute players who may not be as effective in that position, resulting in a weaker overall performance by the team.
Impact on Fair Play – Submarining goes against the principles of fair play in hockey. It is a dangerous and intentional act that can cause serious harm to other players on the ice. When a player resorts to submarining, it can lead to retaliation from the opposing team, resulting in further physical altercations and penalties that detract from the essence of the sport.
Impact on Player Safety
Submarining is a highly dangerous tactic in hockey that can result in serious injury to players. When a player executes this move, they put themselves and their opponents at risk for a variety of injuries, including knee, ankle, and hip injuries. The dangerous nature of the move means that players who employ it are often heavily penalized by referees and subject to disciplinary action from their team.
Injuries from Submarining can be severe and long-lasting, impacting the player’s ability to perform on the ice and potentially causing long-term damage to their body. Knee injuries, in particular, can be career-ending for players and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Player Safety Measures have been put in place to discourage players from using the submarining tactic. The NHL has implemented stricter penalties for players who engage in dangerous hits and has increased awareness around player safety through initiatives such as the NHL’s Player Safety Department.
Effect on the Outcome of the Game
Submarining can alter the outcome of a game in a significant way. When a player performs this dangerous move, it can result in an injury to the opposing player, causing them to leave the game. This can weaken the opposing team and give the team with the submariner an advantage. Additionally, referees may call penalties on the opposing team in response to a submarining incident, giving the offending team power play opportunities. This can result in a shift in momentum and ultimately affect the final score of the game.
Moreover, the use of submarining can affect the game beyond a single game. If a player is injured due to this move, it can cause them to miss future games, negatively impacting their team’s chances of winning. Additionally, if a player gains a reputation for using submarining as a tactic, they may become a target for retaliation from opposing players, leading to a cycle of violence that can ultimately damage the sport.
When Did Submarining Become an Issue in Hockey?
Submarining has been an issue in hockey for several decades. The first recorded instance of a player being injured due to submarining occurred in the 1950s.
The issue gained more attention in the 1980s and 1990s when several high-profile players were injured as a result of submarining.
The NHL has taken steps to address the issue over the years, including the introduction of stricter penalties for players who engage in submarining.
Despite these efforts, submarining continues to be a problem in hockey, and players are still being injured as a result of this dangerous tactic.
As the sport continues to evolve and player safety remains a top priority, it is likely that more measures will be taken to prevent submarining and other dangerous plays in hockey.
History of Submarining in Hockey
Submarining has been a problem in hockey for decades. The earliest known case of submarining occurred in 1937, when Eddie Shore of the Boston Bruins tackled Toronto Maple Leafs player Ace Bailey, ending Bailey’s career. Shore’s hit was considered legal at the time, but the severity of the injury sparked a conversation about player safety.
In the 1970s, a number of NHL players began to use the tactic more frequently, prompting the league to introduce new rules to address it. In 1979, the league banned the act of diving at another player’s legs, and in 1981, they introduced a rule requiring players to maintain body contact with their opponents.
Despite these efforts, submarining remains a problem in hockey today. In recent years, several high-profile players have been injured as a result of submarining, prompting renewed calls for the league to take action.
Who Are the Most Infamous Submariners in Hockey History?
Darius Kasparaitis is one of the most infamous submariners in NHL history. He was known for his aggressive play, and his tendency to take out opponents at the knees.
Marty McSorley is another notorious submariner. He was famous for his tough-guy persona and his willingness to use his stick to take out opponents.
Raffi Torres is a modern-day example of a submariner. He was suspended multiple times during his career for dangerous hits, including a hit that knocked Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa out of the playoffs in 2012.
Ulf Samuelsson was a defenseman in the NHL during the 1980s and 1990s. He was known for his aggressive play and his tendency to take out opponents at the knees.
Scott Stevens was a hard-hitting defenseman who played for the New Jersey Devils. He was known for his ability to take out opponents with devastating hits, and some of his hits were considered borderline legal.
Player 1: Infamous Submariner
Player 1 is considered one of the most notorious submariners in hockey history. He was known for his aggressive playing style and often used the dangerous move to take out opponents. His actions led to numerous injuries and controversies throughout his career.
Despite receiving several suspensions and fines for his actions, Player 1 continued to employ the submarine tactic, which eventually led to the end of his career. He was widely criticized for his reckless behavior on the ice and the negative impact it had on the sport.
Many fans and players still debate whether Player 1‘s skill as a player justified his dangerous actions or whether he should have been banned from the sport altogether.
Player 2: Infamous Submariner
Player 2 is another player who is infamous for his use of submarining tactics in hockey. His aggressive playing style and willingness to go to extremes to win have earned him a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the league.
Throughout his career, Player 2 has been involved in numerous incidents of dangerous hits and cheap shots. He has been accused of using his stick to trip or slash opposing players, as well as delivering dangerous hits that can cause serious injuries.
Despite repeated warnings from the league and calls for harsher penalties, Player 2 has continued to play with a reckless disregard for the safety of his opponents. His actions have resulted in numerous suspensions and fines, and have earned him a reputation as a player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means risking the health and safety of his opponents.
Player 3: Infamous Submariner
Player 3 was notorious for using the submarining tactic to take down opponents, often resulting in injuries. He was known for targeting the knees of his opponents and was involved in several controversial incidents throughout his career.
One of the most memorable incidents involving Player 3 was when he submarined an opposing player during a playoff game, causing a major injury that sidelined the player for the rest of the playoffs.
Despite the controversy surrounding his play style, Player 3 was a skilled player and had a successful career, earning numerous accolades and awards throughout his time in the league.
Is Submarining a Deliberate Tactic or an Unintentional Act?
Intentional: Some players argue that submarining is a legitimate tactic and that they intentionally use it to gain an advantage over their opponents. They believe that by taking out the legs of their opponents, they can stop them from making plays and score goals.
Unintentional: Others claim that submarining is an unintentional act that occurs as a result of the fast-paced, physical nature of the game. They argue that players are not intentionally trying to injure their opponents, but are simply trying to make a play on the puck.
Gray Area: The issue of whether submarining is deliberate or unintentional is a gray area. While some players may intentionally use this tactic, others may do it inadvertently in the heat of the moment. It can be difficult to determine a player’s intent, especially in the split-second decisions that occur during a game.
Penalties: In many cases, players who submarine their opponents receive penalties, which suggests that the act is viewed as deliberate by the referees. However, not all instances of submarining result in penalties, and the severity of the penalty can vary widely depending on the situation.
Safety Concerns: Regardless of whether submarining is intentional or unintentional, there is no denying that it can be a dangerous act that puts players at risk for injury. The NHL has taken steps to address this issue, including increasing penalties for players who submarine and educating players on safe play techniques.
Controversy Surrounding Submarining in Hockey
Safety concerns: One of the major concerns with submarining in hockey is the risk of injury to the opposing player, particularly to the lower body. This can result in serious injuries, such as torn ligaments, broken bones, and concussions.
Intent and interpretation: There is also controversy surrounding the intent of players who submarine, with some arguing that it is a deliberate and dangerous tactic, while others believe it is an unintentional act. The interpretation of the rule itself can also be subjective, leading to further debate.
Enforcement of the rule: Another issue with submarining is the consistency in enforcing the rule. Some referees may let it go, while others may call it strictly, leading to confusion among players and coaches as to what is considered legal or illegal.
What are the Consequences of Submarining in Hockey?
Injury: Submarining can lead to serious injuries, including concussions, broken bones, and spinal injuries. When a player falls onto the ice, they can easily collide with other players or the boards, leading to potentially life-altering injuries.
Penalties: Submarining is a penalty in hockey and can result in the offending player being sent to the penalty box. The severity of the penalty depends on the league and the specific infraction, but penalties can range from two minutes in the box to game misconducts and suspensions.
Loss of Integrity: Submarining is considered a cheap and dirty tactic in hockey. When players intentionally try to injure opponents or take them out of the game, it damages the integrity of the sport and can harm its reputation.
Retaliation: When a player is submarined, their teammates may seek revenge on the offending player, which can escalate into dangerous on-ice altercations. This can further harm the integrity of the game and put players at risk of injury.
Legal Action: In extreme cases, players who have been seriously injured due to submarining may pursue legal action against the offending player or the league. This can result in costly lawsuits and damage the reputation of the player and the league.
Potential for Player Penalties and Suspensions
Submarining is a dangerous tactic that can result in serious injuries to opposing players, and it is therefore heavily penalized in hockey. Players who are caught submarining may receive a range of penalties, from a minor two-minute penalty to a major five-minute penalty and a game misconduct.
Repeat offenders and players who cause injuries with their submarining may also face additional discipline, such as fines or suspensions. The length of a suspension will depend on the severity of the offense and the player’s history of submarining.
Players who are suspended for submarining may also face negative consequences off the ice, such as damage to their reputation and potential harm to their future career prospects.
Impact on Team Performance
Submarining can have a significant impact on the overall performance of a hockey team. When a player uses this tactic, they may injure an opponent, which can lead to a power play for the opposing team. The team of the offending player will then be forced to play short-handed, making it more difficult to score goals and defend their own net. Additionally, the player who uses this tactic may be ejected from the game or face a suspension, leaving their team without a valuable player.
In some cases, a player who uses submarining as a tactic may be perceived as unsportsmanlike by their teammates and opponents. This can lead to a breakdown in team cohesion and create tension in the locker room. It may also damage the team’s reputation and negatively impact their standing with fans and sponsors.
Overall, submarining is a risky tactic that can have serious consequences for both the offending player and their team. It can result in penalties, suspensions, injuries, and a negative impact on team performance and morale. As such, many coaches and players discourage the use of this tactic and instead focus on fair play and sportsmanship to achieve success on the ice.
Effect on the Integrity of the Game
Submarining not only has negative consequences for individual players and teams, but it can also have a damaging impact on the integrity of the game itself. When players intentionally engage in dirty tactics, it undermines the fairness and spirit of competition that is fundamental to sportsmanship. This can lead to a breakdown in trust between players and a loss of respect for the game among fans and spectators.
The perceived prevalence of submarining in hockey can also discourage new players from joining the sport, as parents may be reluctant to let their children participate in a game where such behavior is tolerated or even encouraged. This could have long-term implications for the growth and sustainability of the sport.
Furthermore, the widespread use of technology in modern sports means that instances of submarining are often caught on camera and widely shared on social media. This not only perpetuates negative stereotypes about the sport but can also damage the reputations of individual players and teams.