The debate about aggression in hockey sparks some ongoing debates about what is just part of the game, and what pushes things too far. Should fighting be allowed? Should we be of the mentality “what happens on the ice stays on the ice”, sometimes meaning acts of aggression or violence that would be punishable by law off the ice are allowed on the ice all in the name of hockey?
Recently Josh Maguire of the Peterborough Petes, an Ontario Hockey League junior team, received a five game suspension for fighting (with an opponent who did not want to drop the gloves). This sparked hockey blogger Caitlin Campbell to write:
“If you’re a parent or kid looking to sign up for hockey please know that the game of hockey, from it’s (sic) start is a physical game….if you don’t want a physical game then hockey isn’t your sport”.
Her original article is located here: http://frozenfutures.com/2014/04/03/josh-maguire-latest-victim-soft-sports/
Have a read of her post. Is hockey becoming a “soft sport”? Should parents who put their kids in hockey be prepared that it’s going to get rougher and tougher somewhere down the road, especially at higher competitive levels?
Read the article and then let us know what you think in the comments below or on our Facebook Page. Or email me at contactus@canadianhockeymoms.ca.
Until next time, happy hockey!