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(WHTM) — Numerous fights broke out during Team USA’s 3-1 win over Team Canada to advance to the 2025 Men’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship, and some may be wondering why hockey is the only sport besides martial arts that allows fighting during the game.
According to Britannica, fighting has been part of NHL hockey since its formation in 1917. In 1922, the NHL instituted Rule 56: Fisticuffs, which states, “A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who fights. A player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation shall be assessed an instigating minor penalty, a major for fighting, and a ten-minute misconduct.”
Britannica says a fight is defined as “when at least one player punches or attempts to punch an opponent repeatedly or when two players wrestle in such a manner as to make it difficult for the Linespersons to intervene and separate the combatants.” Referees are purposefully given wide latitude for punishments to disperse penalties based on the extent of each player’s participation in the fight. Players who fight are sent to the penalty box during the game and may be subject to additional fines or suspensions.
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In ESPN’s article “The pros and cons of fighting in the NHL,” former SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross discussed the pros and cons of allowing fighting in the NHL. Buccigross reasoned that banning fighting would encourage illegal body checking, hits with hockey sticks, and other aggressive plays that players would not suspect, which would dramatically increase injuries. Retaliation by fighting, Buccigross argues, brings accountability, protects teammates, and prevents more dangerous plays from occurring.
Buccigross also cited the entertainment factor in another ESPN article, saying “Fights can add entertainment value, change a game, and have fans talking for days.” Rich Clune—a former Maple Leafs forward and frequent fighter—told CBC Sports, “I think the NHL is cognizant of the fact that they can’t eliminate it and turn it into a non-contact sport because I don’t think it’ll sell… especially in America where the game is still growing.”
Hockey players have adhered to unwritten codes in addition to the NHL’s rulebook, and fighting is viewed as an ethical way of settling disputes on the ice. In his book The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL, author Ross Bernstein states that “Hockey is, and always has been, a sport steeped in a culture of violence. Players have learned, however, to navigate through its mazes and labyrinths of physical contact by adhering to an honor code of conduct.”
For these reasons, among many more, the NHL has chosen not to ban fighting in hockey, unlike other major sports. However, opposers of legalized combat argue that fighting—regardless of unwritten rules—is dangerous, sets a bad example for kids, and glorifies violence.
Team USA improved to 2-0-0 in the 4 Nations tournament and clinched a spot in the championship game on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston.
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