WHL Players Lend Voices to Fighting Debate
Junior players don’t want to see hockey fights curtailed
“I don’t think it’ll change in the near future but I could definitely see it coming out of the game in the next 10, 15 years,” said Pats defenceman Brandon Underwood. “Do I think (banning it) is necessary? No. If a guy is running around taking shots at guys, he knows he’s going to have to answer the bell. In a way it kind of cleans up the game a little bit because there are going to be consequences.”
Mindful of safety concerns, the WHL has taken steps to protect its players — with and without their gloves. The latest initiative is a seven-point plan designed to help eliminate head shots that cause concussions. As for fighting, there are measures in place to discourage it, but the league has stopped short of banning it altogether.
