Canadian Medical Association calls for ban to fighting in hockey

[renard_ruse]

OTTAWA — Society “should hang its head in shame” for not banning the “brutal tradition” of fighting and hits in hockey, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The CMAJ says fighting and hits in hockey should be outlawed because research shows brain and head trauma causes progressive damage to players...

Full article:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011...iation-journal-calls-for-hockey-fighting-ban/

Well, that really would make it "soccer on ice" as its detractors have called it.

 

[renard_ruse]

I think they need more fighting in hockey. Its gotten boring in recent years. There isn't even an average of one fight per game in the NHL anymore, and the "fights" are usually just a couple of punches that don't even look real anymore. They need to bring back fighting like in the 70s and 80s.

 

[renard_ruse]

On the other hand, I don't really care for the "big hits." I think that is where people really get hurt. Maybe take a look at that, reduce the padding so the "hits" aren't so big, etc. That's different than fighting. A little good old fashioned fist fighting harms nobody, its just good fun and fans love it.

 

[firenzi]

Please post Don Cherry's reaction to this. Is there a game on Saturday?

 

[1sickbastard]

I like the 'Big Hits', as long as they're clean. It is a contact sport after all.

About the fighting, I miss the olden days of the NHL, when a fight was part of the strategy.

However, with the size and strength of the players today...it's far to easy to crush bones in the face. IDK. Personally I'd like to see repealing the automatic major for instigating.

Until then, I'll take minor league hockey where the tickets are more reasonable, the fans more passionate, and the game more rough and tumble.

 

[renard_ruse]

Why don't they call for a ban on fighting in boxing and MMA too?