This video — notice the time and score — is an example of what Adam is talking about
As stated yesterday, in part I of the NHL fighting series, the GMs of all 30 teams are currently in Florida discussing the state of the NHL and potential rule changes. The biggest discussion, undoubtedly, is the debate on getting rid of fighting in the NHL. Because I think this is absolutely ridiculous I want to use Adam Burish’s blog to shed some light on the subject, for those of you who are not familiar with hockey. To the naked eye, it may seem as though fighting in the NHL is uncontrolled and these players are out to kill each other. While I’m sure opponents are trying to inflict pain, 95% of the time fights are warranted or necessary and players follow certain rules. In part II of the four part series Burish, of the Chicago Blackhawks, breaks down why fights happen. Today ESPN reported that fighting will be phased out of the NHL in five years. Thanks ESPN, stick to reporting on gready MLB players, NFL felons, and NBA showboaters, Loge19 will take care of the fighting issue. I would encourage commenting on this issue as I am interested to see what others think on this topic.
From Adam Burish’s “Dropping the Gloves”
Roman is a funny guy over there, going to YouTube and finding one of my fights. Well, as many of you know, much to my mother’s displeasure, I get myself into the odd fight throughout the NHL season. I am often asked, ‘Why do you do that?’ and ‘How do those fights starts?’ or ‘What do guys say before a fight?’ There’s also the old, ‘What’s the point of fighting, you look like a meathead.’ I will take the time to answer those questions now, so when the 500th person asks me this year I can just tell them to read my blog.
Okay, I just went off on a tangent here, don’t know where that came from! The next thing I want to discuss is the “code” that guys follow on the ice.
I’ll first cover why guys fight on the ice. The first reason is to gain momentum.
The majority of fights happen in the first 1 1/2 periods. Because this is your best shot at swinging momentum.
You may find your team down 2-0 just 10 minutes into the first period. The crowd isn’t into it, you look down your bench and guys are frustrated and a little sluggish. This is a great time to go look for a fight.
Often times you will see a player go out there and run into a few guys seeing if anybody will skate up to him and challenge him. If not, you will see a guy whose team is down 2-0 skate up to a guy get in his face maybe push him and tell him: ‘Let’s go!’
When the fight is done, nine times out of ten you will see a response from your team. Guys will get excited, the crowd stands up and screams, your teammates bang their sticks on the bench, now they are into it. You have changed the momentum.
Imagine going into the office and your supervisor, who nobody likes, gives you and your co-workers a project that you know is just busy work but is important to get done, but nobody is to excited to do it. The next thing you know is you look over and your buddy is beating up your supervisor. Once he’s done beating him up, I’ll guarantee you will all be excited and go get that job done with a smile on your face. I am not suggesting you do this. I understand that my working environment is one of the only places in the world where this is allowed.
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