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Calgary, AB • Canada • 55 Years Old • Male

THINGS THAT HAVE TO CHANGE

Posted 11:52 AM ET | Comments 4
I wrote a blog a little while back on violence in the NHL, so I thought I would hash it over again from another angle. I have heard media go over this topic over and over again; what it comes down to is the lack of respect the players have for each other. The issue that bothers me in particular is this hitting from behind, not the accidents. It’s the stick-in-the-back hits, or the times that players could slow down, but speed up instead. I know hitting is part of the game; I am not bashing that. What really makes me mad is this complete lack of respect for the rules and others players' health.

The next thing, since I am talking about hitting, is head shots. I really do not like these head shots players are taking at each other. I can understand that players make mistakes. Those I am not worried about. The ones I am talking about are the one the where players jump right before they hit the player, for further impact. I just don’t get why they have to add further to the hit. Making a hit to the chest is just as much as a statement as a hit to the head. Really, the NHL has to do something about the hits to the head. Concussion Syndrome has really ruined too many players' careers.

The next issue on my mind, since I am already on a roll, is this knee-on-knee business. Maybe someone can explain this to me. What exactly goes through a player's mind when he sticks out his knee to stop another player? I am sorry, but I think this a hideous thing to do. Not only can he ruin one player's career, he can also hurt his own. There has to be some kind of penalty added to it. I really feel this is a thoughtless act. I have seen way to many torn ligaments to players who never come back. Mr. Bruin after Orr Cam comes to mind.

What it comes down to is that the league has to get together with the players and start discussions on getting more respect for each other. The players have to start thinking before doing. This is common sense, not brain surgery. I am not against hitting. What I am against is bonehead plays. A player should know better.

These issues come up way too much. The players have to start being respectful to each other. If they don’t stop this nonsense, we are going to get a lot more unnecessary injuries and more suspensions. Also we are going to get the media who don't normally cover sports attacking the game.

FLAMESTR
Filed Under:   RULES   HITS TO THE HEAD  
November 18, 2008 1:27 PM ET | Delete
I agree with you on the cheap shots but as to "hits to the head" if the player jumps that's a charging penalty , if he has his elbow up that's an elbowing penalty , if his feet are planted on the ice and he hits an opposing player who has the puck in the head with his shoulder that is a body check and perfectly legal. I have no desire to watch pond hockey and take body checking out of the game. If the NHL starts calling this as a penalty they may as well tell taller players like Chara that they are not allowed to hit because their shoulders will evenally connect with an opponents head.
November 21, 2008 2:13 PM ET | Delete
Why are you listed under the Florida tab?
November 22, 2008 6:18 PM ET | Delete
I bring bad luck to the Flames so I just stay under the Florida tab
November 25, 2008 8:58 PM ET | Delete
I think you need to make the penalties steeper and them it will slow down or stop. Make reviews possible with head shots and retroactively penalize player swho pull this foolishness. WHen it starts hitting them in the wallet and costing the team, people will lsiten and follow.
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