Perhaps hockey players rather than followers know better the answer to your
question.
I play at a very amateur level and understand why players sometimes feel
compelled to fight,
logical or not.  I know that after I get in someone's face for a shove in
the back near the
boards, it's not likely to happen again.  And it sends a message for
everyone else that cheap
shots and dangerous plays won't be tolerated.
 
>>"I don't know why I did it.  I just wanted to fight him."
>>
>>- Marty McSorley
>>
>>Perhaps the idea that allowing hockey players to drop the gloves will
prevent
>>stick infractions needs to be reexamined.
>>
>>J. Michael Neal
>
>Can anyone **rationally** explain to me why fighting is allowed in hockey
>when other sports which are just as physical (lacrosse) or even more so
>(football) don't?
>
>I've followed hockey at all levels for 40 years and I still have not
>received a logical answer.
>
>Greg Ambrose
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.