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Gretzky retired in 98-99. It did take 15 years, but NHL hockey implemented rules to make the game less brutal and it seems to be working. Players crashing into

by cdr 12y ago

Gretzky retired in 98-99. It did take 15 years, but NHL hockey implemented rules to make the game less brutal and it seems to be working. Players crashing into each other head first is not an inherent part of the game like it is with American football. Sure concussions occur, but it's got to be a fraction of what happens in football. http://www.wsj.com/articles/professional-hockey-has-become-a-gentlemans-game-1425333413 http://www.wsj.com/articles/professional-hockey-has-become-a... "Much of the decline can be attributed to fewer players going to the box for the game’s more violent infractions. Charging, boarding, roughing and cross-checking are being called at the lowest rates since 2001-02, according to Stats. It seems that the NHL’s plan to crack down on violent penalties this season is working."

at-fates-hands 12y ago
I agree and would also add that the increased speed of the game has lessened the amount of bad injuries. Goons have pretty much been eliminated and there' only room for really skilled guys - which means a lot less hard checking and chippie play. Although the occasional rivalry game will produce more hitting and hard checking. You can see the Wild v. Avalanche this past week or the Flyers v. Penguins last month which included a ton of PM's and four fights - a rare occurrence these days.