First of all, I am a women's hockey fan as well as a men's fan. I, however, see the ban on checking in women's hockey as not only sexist, but stupid. There are many times when a check would be the intelligent thing. Playing defense becomes almost impossible without any ability to hit. How many of you actually watched the entire NHL All-Star game this year without turning it off due to boredom. It got stupid. And why shouldn't women be allowed to check??? Anyone who has ever watched a women's basketball or field hockey game knows hitting can be done. Besides, it would be Rebecca Lowry laying on the body (5'8"), and not Chris Thierin (6'5"). As in men's hockey, I do not like goon-fests and stupid fights, but I do like to see good defense. Besides, to truly appreciate an offensive player's skills, we have to see them up against a defense, not traffic cops. Let 'em bump, it would definitely make the game so much better. Tony BU'92 (Masters '93)