Fighting: Keep It
Written by Dan Boyle, Wednesday June 10 2009
Hello everyone. It’s now June and I am writing this on the eve of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
There is nothing more exciting than playing a final game, winner take all for the Stanley Cup. Both teams have put on a good show for the fans, which is great for the continuation and growth of the sport. I am now back in Florida after spending two weeks in Ottawa visiting my family. I’m spending a lot of time with my little girl and it’s been a blast.
I have been getting recognized a little bit lately and a topic that keeps resurfacing has been the element of fighting in the game. Should it or should it not be a part of hockey?
My answer has been and will always be yes.
I believe it does have its benefit to the game. Not only does it create energy and a buzz in the building but it also serves a purpose on the ice. It makes the players responsible for their actions should they choose to walk the fine line.
Nobody likes to see another player get seriously hurt (a little bit … of course). However, nobody wants to see long term or life threatening injuries. This is a grown man's game and injuries will occur. There needs to be a code of honor that some players unfortunately do not respect. Those players have no place in the sport in my eyes. Those that play tough and fight in the way it was meant to be have all my respect.
I used to fight when I first broke into the league, but now I try to use my hands to put the puck in the net!!!!
I had some really good fights in the minors when I first started. I play with a lot of aggression and my temper got the best of me and things happened occasionally. I would have to say my toughest opponent would probably have to be Cory Sarich (now in Calgary). Oddly enough we would win a Stanley Cup together years later in Tampa.
That’s all for now. See you back in San Jose in August.
Dan Boyle is an All-Star defenseman with the San Jose Sharks. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.danboyle22.com. Follow him on Twitter as danboyle22.
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