One of the most polarizing subjects in the sport of hockey is the topic of fighting. The only sport that permits bare-knuckle fisticuffs has received some flack in recent years with more of a concern being placed on player safety, and particularly headshots and concussions.
As a result, the NHL has seen a dramatic decline in fighting, and has actually eliminated a lot of the players that are there mostly for that particular reason – the enforcers. Of course the other side of the coin is that lots of fans enjoy fighting, and the entertainment factor (as well as some arguments that it keeps other dangerous plays out of the game) has managed to keep the unique element in the game.
Every once in a while we are reminded just how dangerous it can be, and on Sunday a fight in the WHL did just that.
Down 4-0 early in the second period, Edmonton Oil Kings forward Colton Kehler got into it with Swift Current Broncos winger Tanner Nagel. When we say got into it, it was only really for a brief second. Within a split second of engaging each other Kehler delivered one of the hardest one-punch knockouts we’ve seen, and Nagel was knocked limp and face down on the ice.
While the entertainment factor will make it hard for the sport of hockey to eliminate fighting, fights like this are hard for most to watch.
(H/T Spittin’ Chiclets)
