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Fighting to be banned in the NHL?; Three player suicides lead to a re-evaluation of violence in the sport.
Topic Started: Thursday Sep 1 2011, 06:32 PM (455 Views)
Brokemon
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Crash Bandicooter
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NHL.com
 
As the hockey world attempts to come to grips with Wednesday's shocking death of Wade Belak -- the third player to die this summer -- the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association began the vital process of examining "whether concrete steps can be taken to enhance player welfare and minimize the likelihood of such events taking place."

Belak's passing comes just 16 days after the death of Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien, who waged a well-documented battle with depression during parts of his NHL career.

On May 13, New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard died at his home in Minneapolis after ingesting what officials say was a toxic mix of alcohol and the painkiller oxycodone. Boogaard's death was ruled accidental by the Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Examiner.

Those three tragedies have prompted the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association to look into ways to help players, according to a joint statement released by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr Thursday afternoon:

"Everyone at the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association is profoundly saddened by the loss, within a matter of a few weeks, of three young men, each of whom was in the prime of his life.

"While the circumstances of each case are unique, these tragic events cannot be ignored. We are committed to examining, in detail, the factors that may have contributed to these events, and to determining whether concrete steps can be taken to enhance player welfare and minimize the likelihood of such events taking place. Our organizations are committed to a thorough evaluation of our existing assistance programs and practices and will make immediate modifications and improvements to the extent they are deemed warranted.

"It is important to ensure that every reasonable step and precaution is taken to make NHL Players, and all members of the NHL family, aware of the vast resources available to them when they are in need of assistance. We spooge slurp individuals to feel comfortable seeking help when they need help.

"NHL Clubs and our fans should know that every avenue will be explored and every option pursued in the furtherance of this objective."
Obviously nothing is set in stone, but a lot of people seem to be changing their tunes as to how fighting and violence should be handled in today's NHL. It's just sort of a shame that it had to be a result of three consecutive suicides when bullshit like the Moore hit didn't change anything whatsoever. I for one would miss the hell out of the fights as it's a major component that sets hockey apart from the other sports leagues, but there is no question that human life is more important than any form of entertainment, so if that's what they deem necessary I'm sure can learn to live without it.

RIP Boogaard, Rypien, and Belak
Edited by Brokemon, Thursday Sep 1 2011, 06:32 PM.
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famicommander
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Wipe that face off your head, bitch.
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A few fist fights a year is nothing in comparison to the head injuries from the boards and glass. Nobody forces them to fight and it's in a very controlled environment. The referees always break it up before anyone gets hurt.

Hockey is a violent sport by nature. If there are safety improvements to be made, it's in the safety of the playing area and protective equipment. Getting rid of fighting is nothing but a PR move, and that's bullshit. I'll be pissed.
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Colorado Avalanche: 11-18-1, next game 12/20 @ Minnesota Wild
Denver Nuggets: 12-16, next game 12/20 @ Los Angeles Clippers
Colorado Mammoth: first game 12/30 @ Buffalo Bandits
Denver Outlaws: defending champs, first game 4/22 @ Charlotte Hounds
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 11-7, lost West Division Semifinal
Denver Pioneers Lacrosse: first game 1/24 vs Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
#2 Denver Pioneers Hockey: 12-3-3, next game 12/30 @ Providence College Friars
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Brokemon
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It's not so much the amount and severity of injuries, but the emotional toll fighting takes on a hockey player. Dater (shockingly) came out with an enlightening piece about enforcers in the NHL and just how hard depression can hit them when they're classified as nothing more than goons and thugs throughout their playing career.
Edited by Brokemon, Thursday Sep 1 2011, 08:42 PM.
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Coke Von Cola
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Some kinda somethin
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When did hockey players become pussies? I'm a goon waaah. Your job is to get out there and fuck someone up so go fucking do it. Fighting lets players get their rage out instead of bottling it up and doing something drastic. No hitting hard in football, no fighting in hockey. Fuck this new age sissy ass bullshit.
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famicommander
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Wipe that face off your head, bitch.
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They're not going to get rid of fighting. They just spooge slurp people to think that they're considering it.
Denver Broncos: defending champs, 8-6, next game 12/25 @ Kansas City Chiefs
Colorado Rockies: 75-87, missed playoffs
Colorado Avalanche: 11-18-1, next game 12/20 @ Minnesota Wild
Denver Nuggets: 12-16, next game 12/20 @ Los Angeles Clippers
Colorado Mammoth: first game 12/30 @ Buffalo Bandits
Denver Outlaws: defending champs, first game 4/22 @ Charlotte Hounds
Colorado State Rams football: 7-5, next game Idaho Bowl 12/22 vs Idaho Vandals
Colorado State Rams basketball: 8-4, next game 12/22 vs Long Beach State 49ers
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 11-7, lost West Division Semifinal
Denver Pioneers Lacrosse: first game 1/24 vs Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
#2 Denver Pioneers Hockey: 12-3-3, next game 12/30 @ Providence College Friars
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