On March 13, 2011, the National Hockey League (NHL) suspended Washington Capitals left wing Matt Bradley for the remainder of the season. It was reported at the time that Bradley had “head-butted” New Jersey Devils defenseman Eric Bélanger in the second period of that night’s game. Bélanger did not return to the ice following the incident and has not played since.
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Hockey Is A Competitive Sport
While we may think of hockey as a sport that develops casual fans, those who play the game consider it a competition. In fact, the Stanley Cup, the ultimate prize of the NHL, has been described as ‘The World Series of hockey.’ The game itself is highly competitive, even though there is a lot of physical contact out on the ice. According to the NHL, fighting is “part of hockey.”
Most hockey players are taught from a young age that fighting is a necessary part of the game. Kids start seeing it as a competitive outlet and a way to express themselves. They also learn that it’s acceptable to fight in the NHL. The players consider it a badge of honor to fight. Former Montreal Canadien Paul Bissonnette told the press that “when you’ve been in the league as long as I have, you recognize that fighting is a part of hockey. It’s something that we all look forward to. We want to be out there fighting.”
It’s An Established Tradition
Hockey has an established tradition of fighting. The game’s first NHL championship match was held in 1905, and it wasn’t until 1951 that the league instituted its first official fighting fine. Back in the day, fights were considered acceptable in almost all situations. In fact, it wasn’t only permissible to fight, but it was often considered a sign of sportsmanship.
In the 2010s, the NHL has seen a rise in fighting, with over 200 incidents reported in 2018. That’s compared to about 150 fights in the previous five years. One of the biggest factors is the expanded use of head-butting, which was once considered a cheap shot. These days, a head butt is worth its weight in gold because it’s so effective at breaking up a fight. In addition, the increased use of head-butting has resulted in suspensions for hockey players. If a player hits an opponent in the head with his shoulder, it’s usually a minor penalty; however, if he uses his head, it’s usually a major infraction. More often than not, these penalties lead to suspensions and fines.
It Keeps Athletes Injury-free
Fighting is a necessary part of the game for the same reason that it’s considered a compliment in other sports. One of the biggest problems for hockey players is getting paid. To keep their bodies above water, they need to take on as much work as possible. That means putting their bodies on the line to protect teammates. For some, that means getting a ton of experience on the ice, which in turn keeps them injury-free. The more you play, the less you have to worry about.
In some cases, that means getting suspended. Bradley missed the entire 2011-12 season after his head-butting incident. In the off-season, he worked out with a personal trainer and got back into shape. He also enrolled in sports science courses and attended a few NHL camp sessions, where he showed off his improved fitness. The NHL hopes that Bradley will be able to return to the ice this season.
It Helps Build Character
It should come as no surprise that hockey players get physical. After all, the game is known for being one of the hardest sports on the body. One of the most significant differences between hockey and other sports is how it develops character.
Hockey players are expected to be able to take a hit, get back up, and keep playing. That shows the character of the player. When a hockey player fights, he is often described as ‘tenacious.’ They may not always be the most talented players, but they’re certainly willing to put their skill on the ice to prove it.
As mentioned, kids start seeing it as a competitive outlet and a way to express themselves. It’s not uncommon for young hockey players to get in a few punches and scratches before and after the game. Sometimes, coaches and parents will even join in the fray, providing additional motivation for the children.
In addition to character building, fighting in hockey has another significant advantage. It often results in a temporary break from the action. The players are able to take a breather and regroup while their opponents are still physically active. When fights do break out, coaches often call time-outs to give their players a moment to compose themselves before continuing.
It Provides Fans With An Intensity That Other Sports Don’t
On the surface, it might seem like hockey is a fairly calm sport. The game isn’t as fast-paced as others, and there isn’t as much physical contact. That’s partially why fighting has become so popular in recent years. Fans of other sports often complain that their teams aren’t as intense as those in the NHL. Although there are no official stats on this, fighting is often used as a tool by coaches to create an early advantage for their teams before the game even begins.
Fighting is one of the most significant differences between the NHL and the NFL. Fans of the former often cite frustration with the pace of the game as one of the reasons for its popularity. The NHL tries to keep the game as close to a real-life experience as possible, and that includes encouraging fighting. According to one coach, “fighting is a necessary evil” in hockey because it keeps the players engaged in the game.
Hockey is a very physical sport, and not just in fights. The amount of activity is significant. It usually takes a lot out of the players, making them more susceptible to injuries.