fighting in Hockey

[R. Smith]

I know this should be put in the sports fourm. But this is a very Hot Topic here in Canada.

Today, a young Hockey player died. He got into a hockey fight, 2 or 3 weeks ago. His helmet fell off during the fight, and his head hit the ice. The hurt player has been in the hospital ever since...in a coma.

Today, he passed on. Now people are saying, fighting should be taken out of Hockey all together. I do feel for the players family, he was on 21. But yet...I'm thinking...fighting was always part of Hockey.

What do you think???

-Roger

[The Unknown Gomer]

I hadn't heard about this whole incident, but as sad as it is, it was kind of a flukey thing. There are exceptions, I know, but most fights, the worst you get is a trip to the penalty box, or if it's REALLY bad, booted from the game, players usually aren't seriously injured.

I personally wouldn't MISS the fighting if it got the boot, but like I told one of the ECHL IceCaps players several years ago after the game the night he got into a knock down drag out with someone from the other team, nothing gets a crowd (and the players) back into a sluggish hockey game than a good fight. :) The player seemed surprised to hear that coming from a girl, lol. But he was in complete agreement.

But it's true, a fight does tend to really boost the energy level in a building. Not to mention blow off a little pent up steam if two players have been butting heads all night.

[rossid]

What? NHL. No.

Now below that level there needs to be strict rules.

Coming from the home of the AHL Iowa Chops.

[kovyarmy37]

I know this should be put in the sports fourm. But this is a very Hot Topic here in Canada.

Today, a young Hockey player died. He got into a hockey fight, 2 or 3 weeks ago. His helmet fell off during the fight, and his head hit the ice. The hurt player has been in the hospital ever since...in a coma.

Today, he passed on. Now people are saying, fighting should be taken out of Hockey all together. I do feel for the players family, he was on 21. But yet...I'm thinking...fighting was always part of Hockey.

What do you think???

-Roger


This is a very touchy subject (atleast, I know it is for me)I think the refs do a pretty good job keeping fighting to a minimum... There is always going to be fighting... you can't just tell a player not to fight (well, you can, it's just not going to work on some guys). The ECHL refs allow much more fighting than the NHL (there are nights the glads can have 3 fights and a few scuffles)

To get to the point:


IMO there is always going to be fighting in hockey... that's just how it's always been...there is a difference between a good fight and goonery...

I would say the NHL does need to cut back on fighting a bit, the ECHL does too...I can't offer my opinion on AHL as we don't have a local AHL team

[Aussie3rddayfan]

The only time I see any Ice Hockey here in Australia is when there is a really big fight. I personally find it funny but I realise people can get hurt.

As for other sports, here in Australia there is a saying for our sport Rugby League - 'Bring Back the Biff'. I love a good biff in League. Rarely does someone get hurt so it's all good.

[NotMyOwn]

I would expect fighting in a kids game, not in ones with adults. That is the reason I don't watch hockey and is the reason hockey will never be too big in this country.

[rossid]

Isn't hockey at the highest popularity of its history?

[R. Smith]

NHL Hockey right now, is very very popular here in Canada. And pretty much every country but the States. If you ever watch a sports show in the good old USA, the NBA and baseball get more coverage.

[rossid]

Do you know if it is doing any better in the states now than historically? Say prior to 2000?

[Jason]

And pretty much every country but the States.

Not even close. I'd say only in countries in the northern hemisphere that get a fair amount of snow. I bet you three-quarters of the world's countries could care less about ice hockey.

[Mr.Supervious]

NHL Hockey right now, is very very popular here in Canada. And pretty much every country but the States. If you ever watch a sports show in the good old USA, the NBA and baseball get more coverage.

yeah i don't know about that haha...baseball is kinda dropping down in coverage though..mainly NFL and NBA but yeah hockey isn't very popular in the US

[phil_ur_friend]

Maybe we should take tackling out of football...

I obviously voted no.

Anyone who plays hockey knows that they will eventually get a bruise or two...

[Jesuslove]

Maybe we should take tackling out of football...

I obviously voted no.

Anyone who plays hockey knows that they will eventually get a bruise or two...

Tackling is part of football. Fighting isn't essential to play hockey. Fighting brings out the worst in players. With no fighting, we'd see hockey played at its best.

[phil_ur_friend]

Tackling is part of football. Fighting isn't essential to play hockey. Fighting brings out the worst in players. With no fighting, we'd see hockey played at its best.

With "No fighting allowed",
you'd cut the dad-bag clean off the sport of hockey.:eek: ;)

Phil, your friend

[The Unknown Gomer]

Fighting isn't essential to play hockey.

No, but it's a darn exciting part of the game, when it happens. :cool:

I personally love a multi player pileup, it gets the crowd to its collective feet every time. ;)

One of the favorite clips of mine that I've ever shot at a hockey game was a knock down drag out fight (such as it was) between, oh, who was it? I think it was Scott Stevens and Sandis Ozolinsch, back during one of the Canes/Devils playoff matches. Ozo was overpowered fairly quickly when Stevens jumped on him, and all of a sudden all you see are Ozo's legs just flailing around desperately underneath Stevens. It was hilarious, such a mismatch. :D I've got it online somewhere, I'll have to find it...

[danbos]

Do you know if it is doing any better in the states now than historically? Say prior to 2000?

According to TV ratings, hockey is more popular than it has been in the past few years. It's back at least to the level it was at before the lockout, if not higher.

As for fighting, no, they should not get rid of it. It's part of the game. It is incredibly unfortunate that someone died, but it wasn't really because fighting is allowed. A fluke like that can happen at any time. People have died from many other sports too, we don't need to get rid of them. You'd have to get rid of boxing before you get rid of fighting in hockey. More people have died from boxing than from fighting in hockey.

[phil_ur_friend]

You'd have to get rid of boxing before you get rid of fighting in hockey. More people have died from boxing than from fighting in hockey.

A very good point.

[Jesuslove]

How does one justify fighting in hockey, when Christ tells us to turn the other cheek and love thy neighbor? I could accept boxing as it's the nature of the sport, but not hockey.

[Pouye]

How does one justify fighting in hockey, when Christ tells us to turn the other cheek and love thy neighbor? I could accept boxing as it's the nature of the sport, but not hockey.

Hockey is a secular sport, so Christ's "turn the other cheek" doesn't apply. If you can accept boxing, then why not accept that fighting is also part of the "nature" of hockey?

This reminds me of a joke that everyone has heard:

"I once went to a fight and a hockey match broke out!"

Rock

[Pouye]

NHL Hockey right now, is very very popular here in Canada. And pretty much every country but the States.

These are the countries who belong to the International Ice Hockey Federation:

Andorra
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China
Chinese Taipei
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
DPR Korea
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Malaysia
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States

---------

I wouldn't exactly say that hockey is very popular in ANY country besides Canada, though. Russia maybe, and a few of the colder climate countries. In the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, and all of the Pacific Islands), Rugby is king. In the USA, American football is king (with basketball a close second). As far as the most popular world-wide sport, however, FOOTBALL is by far the most popular of all sports. Not American football, but TRUE football (what Americans call soccer). Hockey is actually hardly known at all in the majority of countries.

Rock

[jrmitch]

According to TV ratings, hockey is more popular than it has been in the past few years. It's back at least to the level it was at before the lockout, if not higher.

As for fighting, no, they should not get rid of it. It's part of the game. It is incredibly unfortunate that someone died, but it wasn't really because fighting is allowed. A fluke like that can happen at any time. People have died from many other sports too, we don't need to get rid of them. You'd have to get rid of boxing before you get rid of fighting in hockey. More people have died from boxing than from fighting in hockey.Danbos is right about the attendance. For example, pro hockey is holding it's own with the NBA in several cities where both sports have a franchise, and several cities that are located in sections of the country where hockey doesn't have an established foothold on the college and/or high school level still see their pro hockey franchise average upwards of 17,000 per game. I never thought I'd see a day when teams in LA and Dallas would outdraw those in Boston and Chicago - but that's the case this year.

As far as fighting goes, I have mixed emotions about it's allowance. I understand it's history in the sport, and that there are multiple reasons why it's allowed. I guess from my viewpoint I simply accept that it's something that, by design, has always been part and parcel of the pro side of the sport, and accept it for what it is. It doesn't detract from the other skills essential to play the game well, and I think the NHL has become much better over the last few years at reacting swiftly to incidents that have escalated out of control. I can live with it's existence. :)

[phil_ur_friend]

As far as the most popular world-wide sport, however, FOOTBALL is by far the most popular of all sports. Not American football, but TRUE football (what Americans call soccer). Rock

Futbol ;)

[ZippyApplePants]

Danbos is right about the attendance. For example, pro hockey is holding it's own with the NBA in several cities where both sports have a franchise, and several cities that are located in sections of the country where hockey doesn't have an established foothold on the college and/or high school level still see their pro hockey franchise average upwards of 17,000 per game. I never thought I'd see a day when teams in LA and Dallas would outdraw those in Boston and Chicago - but that's the case this year.

As far as fighting goes, I have mixed emotions about it's allowance. I understand it's history in the sport, and that there are multiple reasons why it's allowed. I guess from my viewpoint I simply accept that it's something that, by design, has always been part and parcel of the pro side of the sport, and accept it for what it is. It doesn't detract from the other skills essential to play the game well, and I think the NHL has become much better over the last few years at reacting swiftly to incidents that have escalated out of control. I can live with it's existence. :)

I can pretty much live with it too, as long as things don't get out of hand. There were several times during the days of the Detroit/Colorado rivalry that things got way out of hand.

[R. Smith]

Well, when I go to a hockey game...its nice to see a fight. Its not gonna happen all the time, but its nice when it happens. If, and I say...if. Fighting was taken out of NHL hockey, it would be boring. No, I don't watch the games just for the fights...but it happens.

If you watch a NASCAR event, will a car accident happen??? Most likely.

[Aussie3rddayfan]

Maybe we should take tackling out of football...

I obviously voted no.

Anyone who plays hockey knows that they will eventually get a bruise or two...

You see, in America you have the soft version of football. Here in Australia, our form of football (Rugby League) there are no pads whatsoever. It just one huge bloke tackling another huge bloke. With spectacular results...

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=qJdqTh5yqrs&feature=related

[kovyarmy37]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/blogs/2009/...aque_last_word/

This was an interesting read...

I personally enjoy most fights... there is a point where it gets out of hand, but a fight every now and then is entertaining...

[Jason]

I wouldn't exactly say that hockey is very popular in ANY country besides Canada, though. Russia maybe, and a few of the colder climate countries. ... Hockey is actually hardly known at all in the majority of countries.

Rock

My point exactly on the previous page.

[danbos]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/blogs/2009/...aque_last_word/

This was an interesting read...

I personally enjoy most fights... there is a point where it gets out of hand, but a fight every now and then is entertaining...

Your link gave me a "Page Not Found"

[Pouye]

My point exactly on the previous page.

I saw your point... I was just giving it a nudge. ;)

Actually I was surprised how many countries were part of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Good thing American inventor Jacob Perkins invented the first practical ice machine in 1834.

Rock

[jrmitch]

Guys, I'd have to argue that hockey is actually quite popular here in the States, and I do so for a couple of reasons. I'd agree with Rock that globally hockey seems most popular in countries with colder climates (especially Sweden and Finland). It's also well established in Eastern Europe, as over 25% of the guys on todays NHL rosters are from former Iron curtain countries other than Russia.

However, here's why I differ with those who believe that hockey isn't that popular here in the U.S: 1.) Current attendance figures. In looking at 2008-09 attendance figures for the 24 U.S. clubs in the NHL, their combined average attendance is 16,835 fans a game. We also find that several cities in warm weather climates not otherwise known for hockey are consistently drawing large crowds. Dallas, Tampa Bay, Anaheim, and San Jose average about 17,500 fans a game, and clubs in LA, Miami, and Charlotte are pulling in upwards of 15,500 per gig. Many of these cites also have established NBA teams, yet the attendance for hockey is keeping pace with attendance for basketball in most of these cities.


2.) Longevity and growth. Pro Hockey has been around in the United States as long as the NFL and longer than the NBA. The franchises in Boston, New York, Chicago and Detroit were formed in the 1920s; 9 of the 24 U.S based teams predate 1970; and the decade of the '90s saw 9 new teams added within 10 years.I agree that football is still king, and I think that baseball would rival basketball as our other most popular sports. But I don't think Pro hockey would have survived for over 80 years in the states or would be drawing the number of fans that keep showing up in practically every geographic region of the country without a large and firmly established fan base.

I also goofed in an earlier post when I said that the teams in LA and Dallas are outdrawing Chicago. The Blackhawks actually lead the NHL in attendance with an average of 22,655 fans per game.

[Pouye]

Guys, I'd have to argue that hockey is actually quite popular here in the States, and I do so for a couple of reasons. I'd agree with Rock that globally hockey seems most popular in countries with colder climates (especially Sweden and Finland). It's also well established in Eastern Europe, as over 25% of the guys on todays NHL rosters are from former Iron curtain countries other than Russia.

However, here's why I differ with those who believe that hockey isn't that popular here in the U.S: 1.) Current attendance figures. In looking at 2008-09 attendance figures for the 24 U.S. clubs in the NHL, their combined average attendance is 16,835 fans a game. We also find that several cities in warm weather climates not otherwise known for hockey are consistently drawing large crowds. Dallas, Tampa Bay, Anaheim, and San Jose average about 17,500 fans a game, and clubs in LA, Miami, and Charlotte are pulling in upwards of 15,500 per gig. Many of these cites also have established NBA teams, yet the attendance for hockey is keeping pace with attendance for basketball in most of these cities.


2.) Longevity and growth. Pro Hockey has been around in the United States as long as the NFL and longer than the NBA. The franchises in Boston, New York, Chicago and Detroit were formed in the 1920s; 9 of the 24 U.S based teams predate 1970; and the decade of the '90s saw 9 new teams added within 10 years.I agree that football is still king, and I think that baseball would rival basketball as our other most popular sports. But I don't think Pro hockey would have survived for over 80 years in the states or would be drawing the number of fans that keep showing up in practically every geographic region of the country without a large and firmly established fan base.

I also goofed in an earlier post when I said that the teams in LA and Dallas are outdrawing Chicago. The Blackhawks actually lead the NHL in attendance with an average of 22,655 fans per game.

You're wrong. It's "Futbol". :D

Rock

[Jason]

I saw your point... I was just giving it a nudge. ;)

Actually I was surprised how many countries were part of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Good thing American inventor Jacob Perkins invented the first practical ice machine in 1834.

Rock

Wasn't sure anyone, especially Roger, saw it. He seemed pretty emphatic that the world minus us Americans love hockey.

[The Unknown Gomer]

...and clubs in LA, Miami, and Charlotte

Charlotte? No NHL team in Charlotte that I can think of. Thankfully. Otherwise it would be a three hour drive to games, instead of 20 minutes. The Carolina Hurricanes are based in Raleigh. (Although I think there is NBA and NFL based there in Charlotte though...)

Since you were rattling off so many great stats in favor of hockey (yay!) just wanted to keep that one accurate. :)

Interesting thought though, with all the discussion about hockey being more of a colder city sport, it occurred to me that the Canes moved from their much colder New England location from when they were the Hartford Whalers, down to North Carolina to a much LESS cold location, right in the heart of college basketball-ville. And 10 years later, they're still here. Not the highest attendance in the league, but they're holding their own.

Still, it's funny to watch the folks in the club suites watching their college basketball games on the TV monitors in the middle of a live hockey game. LOL. It makes for very loud cheers at very odd times. :D

[jrmitch]

Charlotte? No NHL team in Charlotte that I can think of. Thankfully. Otherwise it would be a three hour drive to games, instead of 20 minutes. The Carolina Hurricanes are based in Raleigh. (Although I think there is NBA and NFL based there in Charlotte though...)

Since you were rattling off so many great stats in favor of hockey (yay!) just wanted to keep that one accurate. :)...Serves me right...glad you caught my goof; I honestly forgot they played in Raleigh. :o :D

I've also got to admit that I never thought they'd catch on with the sporting public in that area after relocating from Hartford; glad the Carolina hockey faithful have proved me wrong. ;)

[R. Smith]

Well, I didn't say there aren't some great USA Hockey cities. Detroit - HockeyTown!!! The Pens have a great team. New Jersey, 2 or 3 time Cups champs. Colorado, the team we Canuck fans love to hate. Lol

I do know there are 'some' hockey fans in the States. But 'most' hockey fans in the States seem to keep beinging up the 1980 gold metal team. USA!!! USA!!!

[The Unknown Gomer]

...glad the Carolina hockey faithful have proved me wrong. ;)

The Canes winning their first Stanley Cup a few years back didn't hurt any. :cool: Man, THAT was awesome, they brought it out right below me, it was ALMOST close enough to touch.

Plus the fact that I think so many Carolina fans are actually people who relocated from other hockey places; I'm from the San Jose area myself, so was just getting hooked on Sharks hockey when I moved to NC. The first thing I did when I moved here was get season tickets for Raleigh IceCaps hockey (ECHL team, $7 a game, the only game in town at the time) and then road trip to a Sharks/Capitals game in Landover that November.

I was VERY glad to hear that the Whalers were moving the team here. :cool:

[jrmitch]

Well, I didn't say there aren't some great USA Hockey cities. Detroit - HockeyTown!!! The Pens have a great team. New Jersey, 2 or 3 time Cups champs. Colorado, the team we Canuck fans love to hate. Lol

I do know there are 'some' hockey fans in the States. But 'most' hockey fans in the States seem to keep beinging up the 1980 gold metal team. USA!!! USA!!!As one of those Colorado fans the feeling's mutual....;) :D

I don't think the problem is actually a lack of fans (as I believe league-wide attendance and team stability prove otherwise). While Pro hockey has a solid core fan base, I think it doesn't get as much press/media coverage as other sports simply because of how the hockey season overlaps with key parts of the season of so many other major sports that are more popular.

[Tony Trout]

Hockey is a secular sport, so Christ's "turn the other cheek" doesn't apply. If you can accept boxing, then why not accept that fighting is also part of the "nature" of hockey?

This reminds me of a joke that everyone has heard:

"I once went to a fight and a hockey match broke out!"

Rock


Or this joke: "Hockey - The Cheapest Way To Give Blood Without Going To The Red Cross!"

Personally, I enjoy watchin' hockey cuz of the fights.......















Even the game itself is cool to watch.....:P

[The Unknown Gomer]

Or this joke: "Hockey - The Cheapest Way To Give Blood Without Going To The Red Cross!"...

I've got a button tacked onto my bulletin board at home that says "Give Blood, Play Hockey!" :D

[kovyarmy37]

Charlotte? No NHL team in Charlotte that I can think of. Thankfully. Otherwise it would be a three hour drive to games, instead of 20 minutes. The Carolina Hurricanes are based in Raleigh. (Although I think there is NBA and NFL based there in Charlotte though...)

Since you were rattling off so many great stats in favor of hockey (yay!) just wanted to keep that one accurate. :)




If you are in the Charlotte area, and want some hockey, they do have the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL...they are the affiliate of the New York Rangers.

http://www.gocheckers.com/home.php?track=forward

as for the blog thing, I don't know what happened..see if this works...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/blogs/2009/01/05/laraque_last_word/

[The Unknown Gomer]

If you are in the Charlotte area, and want some hockey, they do have the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL...they are the affiliate of the New York Rangers.

I remember the Checkers from when the IceCaps were still in Raleigh. If I remember right, they were the ones that made the Caps change the mascot, Cappy Bear - a white bear - into a black bear, because apparently OUR white bear looked too much like THEIR white bear. So the next season, out of the blue, we suddenly had a black bear as a mascot. :P

[jrmitch]

Hey, I've got a question for you hardcore hockey fans (and yeah, it's off topic, but we're already there anyway.........:D )

Anyway, here it is: Would you describe yourself as primarily a hockey fan who may (or may not) be equally interested in other sports, or is hockey just one of several sports which you follow with equal interest?

Actually, I don't think this is really off topic, because among sports fans just about every individual I know who is primarily a hockey fan has no trouble accepting the aspect of fighting in hockey, while opinions seem much more mixed among those like myself who follow hockey along with many other sports. I think that may also help lead to the perception that hockey isn't that popular here in the United States. We seem to have the most diverse menu of college and pro sports of any country in the world; I think there are many fans of hockey who are also close fans of several other sports as well, but because of the overlap in seasons don't get noticed nearly as much as the die-hard hockey fans do.

I'd be real curious to know what NHL attendance would be like if they weren't competing for the same fans - at the same time - as the NFL; Major League Baseball; the NBA; major college football and basketball; and NASCAR - all of whose seasons overlap part or most of the NHL season. Thoughts...?

[Jason]

Interestingly, the most unlikely city for hockey, Phoenix, gets to boast about Wayne Gretzky.

[The Unknown Gomer]

... Would you describe yourself as primarily a hockey fan who may (or may not) be equally interested in other sports, or is hockey just one of several sports which you follow with equal interest?...

I'm pretty much hockey only. The first pro-sports game I ever saw was that Sharks game back in San Jose, which hooked me immediately. It didn't take long to figure out that if you're a rabid hockey fan, you can't really AFFORD to be a fan of other sports. ;) :P And for the last 15-18 years, that's the only sport I followed.

Since I started going out with D. a few years back, he has introduced me to Mets baseball (going up to Washington to see them once, and up to NY to see them at Shea so D could see them play at Shea one last time) and we've gone to two Carolina Panthers home football games. Both are fun (baseball more so than football), but if D didn't want to go, I probably wouldn't just go to either of those on my own like I'll do with hockey.

[Valpo]

Since I started going out with D. a few years back, he has introduced me to Mets baseball (going up to Washington to see them once, and up to NY to see them at Shea so D could see them play at Shea one last time)

Oh goodness, you poor thing...I'm a lifelong Met fan, get out while you can!! ;)

[jrmitch]

Oh goodness, you poor thing...I'm a lifelong Met fan, get out while you can!! ;)As a lifelong Cardinal fan I'll pray for both of you.........:D

[kovyarmy37]

Hey, I've got a question for you hardcore hockey fans (and yeah, it's off topic, but we're already there anyway.........:D )

Anyway, here it is: Would you describe yourself as primarily a hockey fan who may (or may not) be equally interested in other sports, or is hockey just one of several sports which you follow with equal interest?

Hockey only for me...I've never understood any other sports... my dad made me go with him a few years ago and I was hooked!

[mysterio]

im new and learning the ropes:cool:

[R. Smith]

In light of this young man dying after getting into a fight, the OHL has banned fighting. So, the NHL is gonna look at thier fighting policy. Even if the NHL ban's fighting, fight will still happen.

[kovyarmy37]

In light of this young man dying after getting into a fight, the OHL has banned fighting. So, the NHL is gonna look at thier fighting policy. Even if the NHL ban's fighting, fight will still happen.

That's what I think too... it's a part of the sport... What is the penalty for fighting in the OHL now?

[HumanityisSaved]

Fighting in Hockey (as has been stated numerous times) part of the game and part of the attraction. What I hate is when you go to a minor league game and after the opening drop-in two pre-chosen players throw down their gloves and have a sissy fight that looks more like an awkward preteen dance than a fight. I like a 3rd period melee when the score is tied at 2 apiece. I especially like when the goalies skate out to center and duke it out.

Hockey is gaining in popularity in areas of the US to which it was foreign in the past. Fighting helps that.

[The Unknown Gomer]

...I especially like when the goalies skate out to center and duke it out.

Heheh, yeah, me too. I've never been to a game in person where that happened though, I don't think. I've got a clip that I found online years ago of Beezer getting into a knock down drag out with the other goalie during a game. It's a great clip. :cool:

[jrmitch]

.... I especially like when the goalies skate out to center and duke it out....*Ahem* As an Avs fan living in Denver I am hereby legally obligated by local municipal ordinance to remind all readers of what may be the greatest goalie fight of all time.......:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7GA-_KRBo4&feature=related

[ZippyApplePants]

Didn't Patrick and Mike Vernon get into it at one point too?

[jrmitch]

Didn't Patrick and Mike Vernon get into at one point too?Yeah, they did. Patrick also tried for the trifecta by fighting Dominic Hasek when he was with the Wings. The only reason it didn't happen was because Hasek skated the length of the ice in order to accomodate Patrick - then promptly slipped and fell on his butt before Patrick could throw a single punch. I don't think I've seen anything in hockey that's made me laugh harder......:D

[ZippyApplePants]

Yeah, they did. Patrick also tried for the trifecta by fighting Dominic Hasek when he was with the Wings. The only reason it didn't happen was because Hasek skated the length of the ice in order to accomodate Patrick - then promptly slipped and fell on his butt before Patrick could throw a single punch. I don't think I've seen anything in hockey that's made me laugh harder......:D

Aww, I missed that one. Have you ever seen the Avs' Victory Parade from '96? There was some pretty funny stuff going on there. :D Alas, no fighting though.

[danbos]

*Ahem* As an Avs fan living in Denver I am hereby legally obligated by local municipal ordinance to remind all readers of what may be the greatest goalie fight of all time.......:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7GA-_KRBo4&feature=related

And I, being a Red Wings fan, who used to live in Loveland, but now lives in Michigan, must remind you that you are forgetting about the truly greatest goalie fight of March 26, 1997, when Vernon beat the stuffing out of of Roy. ;) :D

[danbos]

Hey, I've got a question for you hardcore hockey fans (and yeah, it's off topic, but we're already there anyway.........:D )

Anyway, here it is: Would you describe yourself as primarily a hockey fan who may (or may not) be equally interested in other sports, or is hockey just one of several sports which you follow with equal interest?


I would say that I am primarily a hockey fan, since it is definitely the closest sport I follow(actually I went to a game last night...no fights though, just a couple minor scuffles), but I also follow several other sports pretty closely, though not quite with equal interest.

[jrmitch]

And I, being a Red Wings fan, who used to live in Loveland, but now lives in Michigan, must remind you that you are forgetting about the truly greatest goalie fight of March 26, 1997, when Vernon beat the stuffing out of of Roy. ;) :DSo, they kicked you out of Loveland, huh.....? :D ;)

That fight was actually the main event of a small war that saw several different skirmishes - all major ones - happening at the same time. I just pulled the video up on YouTube (link is below), and it looks like Roy and Vernon landed a fairly equal number of punches. But I'll give Vernon points for wrestling Roy to the ice and pinning him down. That whole sequence of fights probably gives merit to the argument that fighting should be more closely policed. It was downright nasty.

Allowing for Vernon beating Roy on points I still think Patrick went 2 for 3 against Red Wing goalies........:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGtntqyMUXw&feature=related

[ZippyApplePants]

So, they kicked you out of Loveland, huh.....? :D ;)

That fight was actually the main event of a small war that saw several different skirmishes - all major ones - happening at the same time. I just pulled the video up on YouTube (link is below), and it looks like Roy and Vernon landed a fairly equal number of punches. But I'll give Vernon points for wrestling Roy to the ice and pinning him down. That whole sequence of fights probably gives merit to the argument that fighting should be more closely policed. It was downright nasty.

Allowing for Vernon beating Roy on points I still think Patrick went 2 for 3 against Red Wing goalies........:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGtntqyMUXw&feature=related

At least he didn't live in Boulder. Anyone else think it is a little weird that someone who used to live in a town called Loveland is talking about nasty hockey fights? Or is it just me?

[danbos]

At least he didn't live in Boulder. Anyone else think it is a little weird that someone who used to live in a town called Loveland is talking about nasty hockey fights? Or is it just me?

Hahahahaha :P :P :P

Nope, no Boulder for me...that's the fruits and nuts section. ;)

[ZippyApplePants]

Hahahahaha :P :P :P

Nope, no Boulder for me...that's the fruits and nuts section. ;)

That's putting it nicely Dan. :D I tend to think of it as the Granola bar city. It has fruits and nuts like you say, plus some flakes! Granola bars probably don't have flakes but close enough.

[The Unknown Gomer]

I always called California the granola state, for that same reason: whatever isn't fruits and nuts is flakes. :P

[ZippyApplePants]

I always called California the granola state, for that same reason: whatever isn't fruits and nuts is flakes. :P

Hey me too! Great minds think alike! :D

[ledzeppelingirl]

As a Canadian, I think hockey needs fighting!!

[R. Smith]

Thanx for your comment, its nice to get a Canadian take on the topic.

[ledzeppelingirl]

I was raised on hockey (I've never played, I broke my arm skating when I was five, and had a fear of the ice until I was 10 or 11, but I never stopped watching hockey). I think that fighting gives it a little something extra... every team has a few goons who do all the fighting.

[R. Smith]

Yea, I grew up watching hockey to. I can skate, but I can't stop myself. So, I didn't play. Lol

I've only been to 1 NHL game - Edmonton vs Calgary. Great game, a fight totally made the game. Oh yea, The Oilers won the game. =)

[ledzeppelingirl]

I've yet to go to an NHL game :( The nearest team is an 8 hour drive away. I was hoping to be able to catch an Edmonton game when I'm there next month, but since I'll only be in the city for a night, it isn't going to be possible.

I take it you are an Oilers fan? I'm a Leafs fan through and through...

[R. Smith]

I'm a Canucks Fan. I went to the NHL game when I was @ Bible College, LFBC in Caroline AB. Most of my family, Uncles anyways, are Leafs fans.

[ledzeppelingirl]

Makes sense that you're a Canucks fan, you are from BC...

Caroline AB? I don't think I've ever been there or heard of it...

[R. Smith]

Caroline AB - Its close to Rocky Mountain House. Very very small town... But it had/has a Bible College there...

[ledzeppelingirl]

I just looked it up, it says it is about an hour away from Red Deer, which is a place I have been to.

[R. Smith]

Well, I'd say about an hour and a half away from Red Deer. I went to Red Deer evey other weekend when I lived in AB.

-Rog.

PS - I am a life long Vancouver Canucks Fan!!!

[ledzeppelingirl]

Well, it's been great talking hockey with you, but I really need to go to sleep, it's 2 in the morning on my coast. Goodnight!

[R. Smith]

Yea, it was kool talking about Hockey with you...

-Roger

PS - Go Canucks Go!!!