Comments on: Wednesday Editorial: Stop the head-shots already

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:28:30 +0000

Agreed that Weight could have let up. I think that a balance has to be struck between the respect that you mention and players looking after themselves. It seems a little Nanny-Statish (Drew’s Utopia) to suggest that we can allow all players to throw out the victim card every time they get hit. The fact is checking is allowed and players have to recognize that fact, or else accept the consequences.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:21:33 +0000

Totally agree on the comments about today’s padding. It has gone from being protective, to now being just plain dangerous.

I think my biggest problem with Weight’s hit (as just one example) is that Weight could have let up just a bit, still laid a big hit and not put Sutter out for a while. I love physical play but there needs to be a certain respect–similar to what the league needs in regards to hitting from behind.

By: goon

goon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:38:39 +0000

Good points Kyle, Don Cherry had a clip on the elbow and shoulder pads a couple of years ago and some of these pads are hard than the pads we had in football and they ARE a weapon. I am surprised more players aren’t hurt…

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:30:29 +0000

I have two thoughts on the matter:

1. I am in the camp that would like to see a return to old school equipment. The softer style elbow and shoulder pads. Old timers like Brendan Shanahan played with very soft looking shoulder pads and it didn’t seem to affect his style of play nor did it lead to a spate of injuries. A shoulder or elbow will still hurt, but I don’t think it would cause the heightened damage we see today.

2. I am all for players respecting each other, so long as it doesn’t turn the league into a glorified kids soccer game where everyone gets a trophy. I long for a return to the old days when players would fight each other on trains and cross the street rather than talk to an opponent. Hits meant to hurt should be discouraged, but the physical play needs to remain in the game, both for the hockey and for the fan interest.

By: goon

goon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:12:50 +0000

Nice article, I am wondering how long it will take before the league starts looking into these legal but questionable hits.

By: Drew

Drew — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:21:22 +0000

More than once, in previous editions of Cold Hard Rants, I have lamented the lack of respect amongst NHL players. Now, I am glad to see Richard is joining the growing bandwagon that says enough is enough. My question is when will the NHL heed the growing call. The NFL protects it’s “star” players (the quarterbacks), my question is why won’t the NHL do the same for it’s star players (the skillful, fleet of foot players)? How many more times do we need to see superstars writhing on the ice, victims of fringe NHL players and their willingness to do whatever it takes to remain in the NHL, even if it means ruining the livelihood of one of their fellow players? The time has come for someone to wake Betts up from his dream that the NHL is working in the Southern U.S. and instead focus his attention on this important issue.