Violence > Skill
By Eric Rosenhek
Head shots! Dirty hits! They’re everywhere.
Once again, another crapstorm has hit the National Hockey League. Like all previous crapstorms, this one is about violent behaviour. Specifically, head shots.
And like all previous crapstorms, experts will discuss the issue, the NHL will come up with a solution and eventually, everything will die down and we’ll go back to pretending that there’s nothing wrong with professional hockey.
To be honest, I didn’t want to touch this topic because every single hockey writer – including Mr. Thiel who wrote a solid piece on this topic – is throwing in his or her two cents. Quite frankly, who wants to be another spec of water in a massive ocean?
But when Matt Cooke nearly takes Marc Savard’s head off and doesn’t receive any proper punishment, and Alex Ovechkin viciously runs another player into the boards and gets a measly two-game suspension, I feel the urge to reach into my pocket and pull out two cents.
I have an idea that will eliminate all the head shots, intentional knee-on-knee collisions and any other dirty hit. It’s a rather simple concept: ban hockey equipment.
Think about it. No helmets. No shoulder and shin pads. No gloves. No jock straps. Just a jersey, track pants and a pair of skates. Even the goalies lose all their bulky gear and would resemble their field lacrosse counterparts.
Think about how safe the game would become. No one would dare commit a malicious hit simply because they would be as vulnerable as their intended target. Professional hockey without any protective equipment would lead to the elimination of dirty hits and make clean hits… cleaner.
All right, I’m well aware my idea is completely brainless. However, the NHL’s handling of head shots and other dirty hits is just as brainless.
[Editor’s note: Not so brainless.]
The NHL must develop stricter punishments for malicious infractions. The league has to set up a guideline for every dirty hit. They can no longer examine things case-by-case, as that method has become too subjective.
If a player, for example, intentionally runs an opponent into the boards, the perpetrator should get a five-minute major, a match penalty and an automatic 10 game suspension. In addition, there should be no special consideration given to “star players.” Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin must be on the same level as any fourth line forward, seventh defenceman or healthy scratch.
Of course, it’s easier said than done. The NHL can’t simply impose a new, stronger code of conduct. A lot of consultation would be needed and there are many stake holders and issues to consider. Perhaps the biggest roadblock would be television ratings.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where violent and aggressive behaviour garners more attention than skill and athleticism.
The NHL has always used its hostile nature to promote the league and attract viewers. Look at the Rock ‘em, Sock ‘em series. Sure, we wanted to see the best saves, the best goals and the bloopers, but the main reason we all bought the videos and DVDs was for the fights and the body checks. It’s basic human nature.
Let’s also not forget the importance of having the star players. They are the real life products of the NHL brand; the faces of the league. If Crosby or Ovechkin are not playing due to injury or suspension, there’s no incentive for casual fans to watch.
Nevertheless, the NHL needs to stop worrying about ratings (let the teams worry about that) and find ways to create a more respectable and safer environment for its players.
If the Winter Olympics taught us anything, it’s that hockey doesn’t need violent and aggressive behavior to create intrigue. Just create an atmosphere where skill is greater than violence and the interest will rise.
Recently, there were published reports stating the NHL might implement a rule on head shots before the end of the season. This would certainly be a step in the right direction. Hopefully, the NHL will stay on this path and create a rule that emphasizes player safety, with strict penalties for vicious actions.
Otherwise (and I pray it never happens), someone will die on the ice.
