Fighting has a huge history in hockey. It can be argued that fighting is one of the sport's defining features, at least in years past. Fighting brings excitement to an arena and players like little else can, and can be a display of raw emotion and passion brough forth onto the ice. However, the game has moved passed this incessant violence. Fights are becoming ever more rare, and when they do occur, they are often staged bouts which are often lacking in emotion. Furthermore with increased understanding of how fighting, especially bare knuckle bouts, can cause lasting damage to the brain either in the form of concussions or the repetitive pounding which contributes to CTE, I do not see why fighting still has a place in the sport. Sure, the occasional bout can be exciting but even so, it is hard to cheer for when you know what the players are putting at risk.