Hockey is a great sport that is becoming more popular every year. There are many different styles of hockey – from ice hockey to snow hockey – but one thing they all have in common is the “fighting” that happens between the players. The purpose of this article is to define the various types of hockey fights (i.e., the rules surrounding them) and what should be done when there is a fight in progress.
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Hockey Fight Style
Hockey fights can take many different forms, but here are the most common ones:
- Brawl – This is the most basic form of fighting. Two players just go at it, trying to hurt each other as much as possible. If someone is caught in the crossfire, it is considered a fault of the other player and he/she will be immediately ejected from the game.
- Scissors Fight – Two players fight with their hands directly on their opponent’s throat. It is a very aggressive battle, similar to a sumo wrestling match. This is one of the more risky styles of fighting because it is easy to get injured by a sharp elbow or knee.
- Spear Fight – Two players stand opposite each other and shake their spears (i.e., long, sharp objects that resemble a mix between a mace and a torch). The players try to bash each other’s heads together as hard as they can, keeping the tips of the spears on the ice. This is a more unique style that only a couple of players around the world still use. It can also be dangerous if one of the players slips and falls on the ice.
- Goat Horn Fight – This is a fancy name for a players’ brawl that takes place in Germany. During a goat horn fight, two teams of players – one from each team – battle it out. The horn of a goat is what they are fighting over. The players try to push and pull each other while at the same time playing the part of a bucking animal. This is a very entertaining way of watching hockey, but not for the contestants!
Fighting In Hockey
Most hockey fans would say that fighting is an essential part of the game. You don’t get very far as a hockey player if you don’t know how to fight! However, not all fighting is created equal and there are different types of fights that are worth more or less depending on the situation. The following are some general guidelines for deciding when to fight and how to properly do so:
- If you’re playing defense, you shouldn’t be initiating any fights. Your job is to protect your teammates and the puck. Therefore, if you’re in a situation where you’re being bullied or harassed, it’s your responsibility to stand up for yourself and your team. Don’t worry; it will all be worth it in the end.
- Try and avoid fights with players who are bigger than you. They will obviously give you a tough fight, but in the end, you’ll be the one in a better position. Also, never provoke a fight with the refs or linesmen. They have a lot of authority in these situations and can eject you from the game without hesitation. The last thing you want to do is start a brawl with people working for the game.
- If you’re playing against another team in a show or tournament, there is a good chance you’ll eventually end up in a fight. Most likely, their fans will start engaging in rowdy behavior and it’ll be up to you to keep everything under control. Being the star player of the opposing team is a risky business and there is always the possibility you’ll find yourself at the bottom of a pile of players. However, pride is important and you should never back down from a fight. Just make sure you’re in the right.
- In case there is a clear mistake that led to the fight, the first thing you should do is apologize. If someone is being a total ass and you’re sure it’s them, you should not waste your time with an apology. Simply walk away and do not dignify their negative behavior with any response. Never let someone bully you and take advantage of your good nature.
- The most common mistake new fighters make is thinking they need to put up a good fight to prove they are worth anything. Proving yourself in a fight is not the objective, avoiding a fight is. You are not supposed to be aggressive, you are supposed to be smart. Using your head instead of your fists will get you further in life than trying to be a tough guy.
Deciding when to fight and how to properly do so is not easy. Of course, everyone has their own style and there is no hard and fast rule that can be applied in every situation. Still, these guidelines should give you a good idea of when and how to fight, no matter what form it takes.