Watch CBS News

Valenti: The NHL Needs To Embrace Fighting

The NHL has something other sports don't: legal fighting. Becoming the point of much controversy over the last several seasons, some people believe hockey should do away with the tradition.

The issue is at the forefront today after a match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and the Anaheim Ducks in which legendary goaltender and new coach Patrick Roy lost his cool on the Colorado bench. Following a scuffle on the ice in the closing minutes of a 6-1 blowout of the Ducks, Roy exchanged words with Anaheim right winger Corey Perry which led to an altercation climaxing with Roy breaking the barrier between the benches.

97.1 The Ticket's Mike Valenti says the tradition of fighting in hockey needs to stay because it gives the league a unique entertainment advantage over other sports.

"I love what Roy did last night," Valenti said on his radio show Thursday. "It was the best moment of the evening in the NHL. The league should embrace violent stigma and be more entertaining."

"Stop running from what league is and should be," Valenti said. "Be unique. Be wild. Be violent. You allow fighting, so embrace it. It's the only shot to grow sport."

On Tuesday night, a fight between the Toronto Maple Leafs' Colton Orr and Montreal Canadiens George Parros left Parros face-planting into the ice and suffering a concussion that leaves him out indefinitely.

With the issue of concussions and their aftereffects swirling through sports lately, should fighting still be allowed in hockey?

Lets us know in our poll.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.