whats the rule about fighting? why should they be allowed to fight? why doesn't the ref stop the fight? I don't understand... is fighting part of the game?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighting_in_hockey

 

A couple years back I was in the stadium in Tampa Bay and just right after the start of the game two guys started a fight. Nothing happened before, so this one seemed to have some kind of history.
The ref let them have their fight for a couple moments and then send them on the bench, but not even a game penalty.
It actually was kind of funny seeing two grown up ppl, not beeing drunken, starting a fight, but I wish I'd know the story behind it.
That's part of the game, a lot of ppl don't like it though...

 

amazing what that site has...

 

I grew up watching the Broad Street Bullies, so yeah, fighting is definitely part of the game. Hockey is a very physical game, size and strength count a lot. Fighting is used as a way to battle the physical play use against more talented players (although that may be less importat in the NHL with the new rules), to initimidate a more talented team, and as an outlet to let the testosterone level cool down a bit. I find that people that "get" hockey (especially those that played it) understand why there is fighting, and see how it is preferable to all guys attacking each other with sticks, or taking cheap shots at the head when checking someone.

All that said, it did lead to a bunch of "fans" who really didn't like hockey so much as the fighting.

 

how come no girls fighting in a swimming contest ?

 

now thats a sport that many men would enjoy watching...

 

hope it's not only on pay-per-view...but i guess i'd still pay to watch .