What's with hockey and fighting?

**Wasatch** · 03-04-2012, 02:10 PM

Chris "Knuckles" Nilan!

**John72953** · 03-04-2012, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Ron Party

I predict that within the next 10 years and quite possibly 5, fighting will be banned.

I hate to disagree with my fellow Progger, but that ain't gonna happen. You can't eliminate fighting from the game. Hockey, like no other game, is so physical and intense that fights are going to break out and you can't stop it. Quite frankly, I don't think the NHL front office and the fans would want that to disappear as it adds an element of suspense and excitement to the game. It sells tickets!

**Ron Party** · 03-04-2012, 02:28 PM

Oh yeah! You disagree with me? Let's fight about it!

**John72953** · 03-04-2012, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Ron Party

Oh yeah! You disagree with me? Let's fight about it!

Put up your Dukes!

**Thomas.Dennehy** · 03-04-2012, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce B

Can we say "Todd Bertuzzi"??

New York Times ran a feature today on the Bertuzzi's career rehab with the Red Wings, one of the least-penalized and least-pugilistic teams in the NHL.

TGD

**NorthStar** · 03-04-2012, 06:04 PM

The head coach from the Toronto Maple Leafs (Wilson); was he fired because of fighting?
...Or not fighting enough?

**John72953** · 03-05-2012, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

The head coach from the Toronto Maple Leafs (Wilson); was he fired because of fighting?
...Or not fighting enough?

He was fired due to public pressure. Was is fair? I don't know...I'll leave that to the experts to decide. Toronto is the most profitable hockey team and market in the NHL, yet the front office refuses to spend money on key players that could help the franchise. IMO the franchise needs a major shake-up!

**Steve Williams** · 03-05-2012, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by John72953

He was fired due to public pressure. Was is fair? I don't know...I'll leave that to the experts to decide. Toronto is the most profitable hockey team and market in the NHL, yet the front office refuses to spend money on key players that could help the franchise. IMO the franchise needs a major shake-up!

John

when I lived in Toronto, growing up was Hockey Night in Canada every Wed and Sat evening with Foster Hewitt and subsequently Bill Hewitt announcing on CKFH (Foster's station). What I recall is that "every" game had been sold out in Maple Leaf Garden since 1945 (or thereabouts). Not sure now with the new arena but I would bet the games are sold out there as well. My point is why would ownership invest money when it is already a cash cow. Isn't the team now owned by the Teachers' Union who I hear could care less. They only are interested in ROI

**John72953** · 03-05-2012, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Williams

John

when I lived in Toronto, growing up was Hockey Night in Canada every Wed and Sat evening with Foster Hewitt and subsequently Bill Hewitt announcing on CKFH (Foster's station). What I recall is that "every" game had been sold out in Maple Leaf Garden since 1945 (or thereabouts). Not sure now with the new arena but I would bet the games are sold out there as well. My point is why would ownership invest money when it is already a cash cow. Isn't the team now owned by the Teachers' Union who I hear could care less. They only are interested in ROI

You're right on all fronts Steve! The ACC still sells out for every game and probably will for the next 100 years. And the OTPP owns 66% of the MLSE. With them only caring about ROI (I think you're spot on), the chances of a Championship shot will be a long time coming, if ever. Maybe the Leafs needs to be bought out by one of those Russian/Arabic billionnaires who'll throw some money at the team. Better yet.......(are you listening Mr. Bettman) ...give us a franchise in Hamilton! The GTA with roughly a population of 6 million (if not more) can surely support an additional NHL franchise. We know of course this won't happen........it's all about protecting the status quo.