VIDEO | Vicious cross-check to an NHL Top Prospect's head in the OHL demonstrates why fighting is needed in hockey
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League initiated the movement when they announced that they'd eradicated fighting from the game. Obviously, the fans, players, and alumni have spoken about their disagreements.
A recent event in the OHL, involving one of the LA Kings' top prospects Brandt Clarke, clearly showed why fighting was still very important to the game of hockey. He was the 2021 8th overall draft selection and is an extremely dominant player in the OHL with the Barrie Colts. He's managed an extremely impressive 61 points over 31 games and definitely a target for his opponents.
The playoffs have started and the Colts are facing off with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the clip shows Clarke making his way to the offensive zone in full control of the puck just moments before an opposing player sends a vicious cross-check to the back of his head, see the sequence:
The sequence doesn't even show one player in white going to defend their team's superstar after such a vicious shot. Per the reports, the player did not get a suspension from the league. It's embarrassing to think that not one of Clarke's teammates had the guts to jump the guy and correct him. If the Junior Leagues want to take away fighting from the game to protect their young player, shouldn't they give harsher punishments on plays like this one?
| POLL | ||
What's the best play for our youth development? | ||
| Ban fighting, give harsher suspensions | 69 | 27.7 % |
| Lets the players fight it out | 180 | 72.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
