The era of the “fighter” may soon come to an end

By Andrew Mendler

With the NHL talking about possible rule changes over the past few days there is one thing that the NHL left out.

I would like the NHL to look at using the instigator penalty more to eliminate fixed fights from the game. I really think that there is no room in the game for players who strictly fight. The game has gotten a lot faster and teams need players who can also put the puck in the net.

What’s the point in having two “tough guys” drop the gloves just for the sake of fighting?

Players like Toronto’s Colton Orr and Anaheim’s George Parros are on their teams just to fight. Their soul purpose is to go out on the ice when their team needs an energy boost and fight the other teams tough guy who is only on the ice to do the exact same thing. They log roughly three-minutes of ice-time a game just so they can chat with the other tough guy, set up a fight and drop the gloves. What is the point of having these players and these type of fights in the game?

I am not saying that they should eliminate fighting from the NHL but they should work on eliminating “staged fights”. There are some games where everyone in the arena knows two tough guys are going to fight and it is just a question of when?

The fights I like to see in the game are the ones that happen off of raw emotion. When players are battling for the puck and emotions run high and they fight. Fights where the players are actually pissed off at each other and want to solve it by scrapping. Fights where players stand up for a teammate that just got hit or fights that happen from scrums around the net.

I don’t think hockey needs players like Georges Laraque who would drop his gloves at the opening faceoff with a smile on his face, and wish the other player good luck before fighting. Sure it entertains people but does it really help the team. To me they are just wasting a valuable roster spot that could be taken by a highly skilled prospect or role player.

To me fighters have lost their place in the game. Players like Dallas’ Steve Ott and New Jerseys David Clarkson have moved in and taken the place of the fighter. These players are tough and can fight if needed but also chip in with 10-15 goals a season and log more minutes than a “fighter”.

I also think that teams would get more energy out of a star player fighting than the “fighter” who fights every game. Seeing the best players on their team step up and fight when the team needs it is what the NHL needs. Personally I would rather watch Jarome Iginla step up and fight for the Flames than their designated “fighter” Eric Goddard.

Players like Dallas’ Brendan Morrow, Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf and Calgary’s Iginla are players that their NHL teams need. They can score, fight, throw big hits and lead their respective teams.

The Olympics was a great example where great exciting hockey can be played without fighting. Teams need players with toughness that also have offensive skill just like Morrow and Iginla.

I think the NHL should make harsher the rules for “staged” fights so that hopefully teams start taking the fighters out of their lineups and insert more role players who can do more than just fight.

The NHL has talked for years about making the game faster and less “chippy”. Getting read of “fighters would definitely clean the game up a little.