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Ice hockey is one of the most unique sports in existence because of one specific rule that allows fighting as a way to settle disputes. However, this does carry a penalty in the form of a temporary expulsion, but it is not very severe compared to the damage that athletes can do to each other while punches are flying.
Last night, there was an eagerly awaited 'rematch' between two heavyweights who were looking forward to it. Dylan McIlrath and Matt Rempe dropped their gloves at center ice at 2:37 of the first period of the game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers, and settled their differences. Both teams belong to the AHL (American Hockey League), the league that is one step below the NHL.
The fight drew cheers from the excited fans in attendance at Capital One Arena. Facing off were two old foes who had last fought during the 2022-23 AHL season. That fight was ruled to have been won by McIlrath and this one too, as Rempe ended up bloodied and took more blows.
Why do they fight and why is it allowed?
This type of action is quite normal in North American ice hockey and at the same time unthinkable in other sports where, if it were to occur, it would lead to a harsh sanction. Why do they occur and why are they allowed? While is normal in this sport, the frenetic nature of hockey means that the referee overlooks some actions or simply sees some illegal body checks or stick checks. The fights stem from these situations in order to settle them. Players are free to settle their disputes with their fists.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was very clear on this at the time, stating that fighting "can prevent other injuries in a fast-paced, physical and emotional game". And former professional player Brandon Prust is in complete agreement: "If they eliminate fighting, I guarantee more players will get hurt because of the increased body checks on the ice."
Steven Stamkos, until last year a Tampa Bay Lightning forward and this season with the Nashville Predators, has no doubts: "I think it's necessary and healthy," he said. It goes without saying that fighting is an essential part of professional games and is governed by NHL rules. Moreover, 98% of NHL players surveyed say they do not want to ban fighting in hockey.
Codes and rules about fights
There are codes and rules that dictate who can fight and for what reasons. It just so happens that there are fewer fights in the postseason, when teams are focused on winning the championship, and this is where you could say that players adhere to an unwritten code.
But there are some rules that are written down and they are extensive. In the first instance, it should be noted that more than one fight is allowed at the same time and, that said, there is a wide variety of scenarios and hence the section 46 of the rules is broad. One of the most notable is rule 46.11, often called the 'instigator rule'. While any player who fights automatically receives a major penalty of five minutes, the player who started the fight is subject to additional penalties under this rule. It should also be noted that actions are stopped by the referee when a player falls to the ground or if he considers that they have been 'distributing' for too long. Hockey and bare knuckle.
The rules also specify penalties for less common situations, such as players jumping off the bench to start a fight, or fights taking place off the playing surface. Also if team personnel other than players, such as coaches, are involved.