I think fighting in hockey isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think the sport lends itself toward it. Even other high violence sports are a little different. Football and rugby have less individual beefs because of the size of the teams and how play works but the smaller teams and faster pace of play create more opportunities for fights to break out. 
Fighting in hockey has its place for defending your teammates or turning the tide of the game. It's definitely better than going to make some cheap shot cross check or other dangerous play since the idea is that both parties are willing and the refs have a little better control over the situation than in open play. However in excess I think it's not okay. When the game becomes more about fighting out beating your opponent to a pulp in the old enforcer style way its just unhealthy for the sport in general. In moderation, however, it becomes a unique part of the hockey tradition that makes it special.