15 hours ago
Opinion: Hockey antics giving the sport a black eye
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If the NHL is in any way a mirror reflecting current society, we've become really, really ugly.
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I grew up an avid hockey fan. Hockey Night in Canada was both a constant and a highlight of each week.
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Whether accurate or not, athletes like Dave Keon and George Armstrong were held up as models of sportsmanship, character and professionalism. I raise a modest question mark as to the accuracy of that picture as the absence of social media kept athletes of that era safe from the microscope.
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The perception of the role sports played in developing character, resilience and sportsmanship did not wane as I moved into adulthood.
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In years working the streets, I often commented how rare it was to see a young person wearing a team jacket arrested for anything save the odd drunken misstep. Sports, which in Canada mostly meant hockey, were considered a prime avenue of developing fine young men. Then, it was rare for women to be in hockey, although today, women are certainly included in the equation.
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But, after decades of celebrating hockey, I can hardly stand what has come of my treasured sport, especially at the highest levels.
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The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs were about as disgusting a feature as has been held since the days of the Roman Colosseum.
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Let me first state that I am an avid Edmonton Oilers fan, so to demonstrate this is not sour grapes, my first illustration will feature an Oiler.
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Watching Evan Bouchard purposely, intentionally slash at the injured ankle of Dallas Stars player Roope Hintz was repulsive. Hearing 'respected' hockey commentators declare that is how the game is played today and the reason injuries are never disclosed only proves the point.
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Our sport has grown uglier and uglier. I understand the initial slash that injured his ankle. It occurs multiple times a game and isn't intended to injure. I also understand some vicious plays that occur spontaneously in the heat of the moment when adrenaline soars.
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But to know someone has an injury and then purposely attack that injury has absolutely nothing to do with sports, sportsmanship or professionalism. It has everything to do with ugly, cowardly self-service.
