About That Canadian Sport

Apparently the NHL hockey season has started. At the bar last night there was a game between the Dallas Stars and the San Jose franchise (Sharks?). There were two fights that I noticed in a single period. So here's the thing... are you listening NHL? ... you have to make a decision. Either your league is presenting hockey or it is presenting a 12 man, ultimate fighting cage match on ice. It can't be both!

If it is a hockey league then you need to implement some new rules. 1. Any players who fight during a game are thrown out of the game. Period! No two minute penalty. They are done. And the teams don't get to send in replacements. They have to play with 5 players. Six fights in a game and both teams forfeit. That will prevent fighting and teams using a bruiser just to cause fighting. 2. Set a limit... if a player gets in a certain number of fights he is suspended, without pay, for a number of games. Say 3 fights and you get a 3 game suspension. And have ever increasing penalties. On the 5th fight, 5 games. On the 7th, 7 games. Etc., etc.

If you aren't going to get serious about cracking down on the fighting and playing hockey, which can be a beautiful, fast paced game, then just fold your tent and send the guys to the Ulitmate Fighting League.