Violence in Hockey

For too long we have ignored the negative impact of media violence. Hockey is a prime culprit when it models abusive behavior for primary entertainment value and some think that it should have an “R” rating for viewers. “Our kids watch violence in hockey during NHL games and they get the wrong message. They come to believe it is just part of the game,” says Kevin Wamsley, Professor and Acting Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UWO. “That is unacceptable in other sports and it should be unacceptable in hockey.” How do we teach young athletes that violence doesn’t belong on the ice when replays of fights are broadcast on giant screens at games and featured as highlights on television and video? Some think that the problem exists at the NHL level where the game is not being policed. If refs were empowered to officiate the game consistently, from one game to the next and throughout each period, it might restore respect. It is often difficult to tell who is officiating the game. Is it the players, coaches or those in power that influence the viewer when it comes to what is acceptable? Marty McSorley has said “Don’t mock or belittle the role of the fighter. Fighting always was and always will be in the game for the players to enforce the rules.” Violence in Hockey is our HOT topic for conversation, with Kevin Walmsley Professor and Acting Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UWO, Ellen Campbell, President, CEO & Founder of CCAA and Lawrence Scanlan Author of “Grace Under Fire: The State of Our Sweet and Savage Game.” Join us LIVE at BEYONDtheCheers on Wednesday January 19th at 7PM EST. Dial-in TOLL FREE 1-877-357-2448 in Canada and United States to ask a question or chat online.