There is a big emphasis on player safety nowadays. Not just in hockey, but across all major sports. Because of that, fighting in hockey has been put under a microscope over the last decade or two. While I understand the concerns of the people in the “no to fighting” corner, I think fighting is one of those things that has always been a part of hockey and always should be. It is a tradition that is acknowledged in the official rules and as an unwritten rule among the player base. It is one of the draws of the sport among fans and increases the entertainment value. Not to mention, a well timed fight can really swing the momentum in a game. As the task description mentioned, fighting has decreased significantly over the years. However, it continues to make the sport safer overall as it acts as a measure of accountability. You mess with the star player, you pay the price. You just generally act like a jerk, here’s a punch to the face.

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