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The Evolution Of Bodychecking In Hockey
If you follow hockey at all, you know that the game has evolved over the years. Back in the day, players would simply skate out towards the opposing team, hoping to throw a few punches and avoid getting hit themselves. But as the rules of the game became more and more stringent, the game started evolving. In fact, to this day, bodychecking in hockey is considered one of the most dangerous types of hits because they can leave opponents seriously injured or even paralyzed. We dive into the history of bodychecking in hockey to learn more about what exactly is considered a “body check” in the sport.
Early Days Of Bodychecking In Hockey
In the early 1900s, the game of hockey evolved significantly. Players started using their heads more, and less of their hands, to fight for their teams. This is partly because synthetic materials started replacing canvas, making the game faster and more exciting to watch. It’s also due to a number of rule changes that made fighting for the puck unnecessary. Before these rule changes, players would just go hard at each other, fighting for the puck pretty much all the time. But after these rule changes, there was no more fighting for the puck – the objective simply became to protect the puck at all costs, even if it meant shielding it with your own body. This of course led to many dangerous situations where players were getting hit in the head with sticks and body parts, which led to injuries and sometimes even death. This is where the bodychecking game was truly born, and it eventually became a staple of the sport.
The “Body Check” In Modern Hockey
As previously stated, before the introduction of any rules regarding bodychecking, players would simply fight for the puck, using their heads as a weapon. This led to many injuries, and sometimes even deaths. In an effort to make the game more safe for the players, the NHL implemented the “body check” rule in the 1970s. This rule states that when a player is engaged in puck fighting, that player’s opponent cannot throw a body check at that player. Throwing a body check at an opponent is therefore considered a foul and results in a penalty, typically a minor one. This rule however did not prevent players from fighting, just from using their bodies to throw illegal body checks. In today’s NHL, most bodychecks are still seen as cheating tactics and are therefore strictly discouraged, especially when delivered to the head or neck area. Still, there are some pretty dangerous bodychecks that are commonplace in hockey, making anyone, regardless of their size, susceptible to injury.
More Than Meets The Eye
When a player is checked by an opponent and sent sprawling to the ice, it’s often not the fact that they’re being checked that causes them so much pain. It’s the fact that the hit generates so much force, causing internal damage that requires immediate attention. In some cases, this has led to players suffering from broken bones, torn ligaments, and even a concussion. But more often than not, the damage is much more serious and can potentially lead to paralysis or death. These are the extreme examples of what can happen when players go at it with each other, but even regular hits can cause serious injuries if they’re not treated properly. This is another reason why hockey is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world. Even though fighting for the puck was once considered cheating, these days it’s pretty much a necessity.
Whether it’s fighting for territory or just to protect your teammates, a fight is a fight, and it happens every game. But it’s not just the fact that players are getting hit that makes the game so dangerous. It’s also the way the hits are being delivered. In the past, people would either throw a solid hit and walk away, or they would hold onto the puck and fight for it, using their bodies as a shield. But now, when players are going at it, it’s usually for several minutes, which means the hits are coming faster and harder. And since there’s no let-up in sight, it makes for some pretty exciting viewing.
How Much Actual Contact Does It Take To Effectively Check A Player?
Whenever someone is checked by another player, there’s usually some kind of contact involved. But how much actual contact does it take to check a player? According to the NHL, at least three high-speed blows are required to check a player. The first hit must be below the waist, while the second hit must connect with the head or neck area to effectively check the player. The third and final hit must then connect with its intended target to effectively check the player. It’s not enough that you push them a little bit, it’s critical that you connect with at least three separate blows before you start running away.
So, three hard, rapid punches are necessary to check a player? Well, not exactly. While the three-punch rule still applies in today’s game, there is some wiggle room when it comes to how many punches it takes to effectively check a player. In most situations, two punches are enough to draw a cross check from the referee, but it depends on a number of factors, like the size and style of the player being checked, whether they’re wearing a helmet, and even the temperature of the air. In general, the smaller the target area, the easier it is to check the person, and the less punches you need. But in terms of pure, hard science, at least three punches are required to effectively check a player.
The Most Dangerous Position In Hockey
Whether you play professionally or recreationally, fighting for the puck is always an option if the situation demands it. But if you want to play it safe, the best course of action is usually to check the other player. It might not seem like much, but when a player is checked by an opponent, it’s often not the fact that they’re being checked that causes them so much pain. It’s the fact that the hit generates so much force, causing internal damage that requires immediate attention. While there are some cases where fighting for the puck leads to injuries, it’s usually the check that causes the most damage in hockey.
This is especially true if the player being checked is one of the bigger ones. When a player is being checked by an opponent, it’s often a fight that follows, as big guys want to prove to the world that they’re still big enough to fight. Still, fighting for the puck is always a risky proposition, especially if you want to guard against injury.
A Win Is A Win
Whether we like it or not, sports are a part of life, and they’ll never go out of style. Seeing as how hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, it shouldn’t come as a great surprise that many of the game’s most iconic figures had some pretty cool haircuts along the way. Below, we identify five incredible hairdos that changed hockey forever.
Alexander Ovechkin
While it might not be the most fashionable choice to have long hair while playing hockey, Alexander Ovechkin is surely the exception. For years, players would go hatless, but as the game started evolving and becoming more and more popular internationally, teams started adding colorful attire and crazy hairstyles to their look. Most notably, the Washington Capitals forward has worn his hair in an incredible amount of curls since he was a teenager, completely covering his ears. This is how he has represented his country since joining the professional leagues back in 2012.
Joe Thornton
Joe Thornton is a Canadian professional hockey player who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Over the course of his 17-year career, he’s earned himself the nickname “Journeyman” because of his constant moves across North America, playing for various teams, including the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres. But even while playing for other teams, he always returned home to the California area, where he grew up and played high school hockey. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Joe Thornton’s hair has always stood out.
Thinking about playing like Joe Thornton? First, you have to have crazy curls like he does. Second, you need to grow out your hair a little bit. Third, you have to be an extremely good hockey player. Finally, you need to have complete control over your facial expressions, which is why he always wears a mask.