The changing game of hockey
Man oh man have there been changes. If only I could count the number of ways that hockey has changed in the more than 40 years that I have been writing and talking about the sport.
Probably the biggest change has been the gradual and steady decrease in fighting, notably at the Ontario Hockey League and Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League levels.
Simply put, the days of OHL, NOJHL — and even National Hockey League — teams using a roster spot on an enforcer who’s main job was to fight and intimidate, are long gone.
I am not the biggest fan of OHL commissioner David Branch. But I commend Branch to the fullest for being the one man who began the crackdown on fighting and violence in hockey via the harsh suspensions that he has become well-known for handing out over the years. Kudos to the relentless Branch for what he has done to make the game safer.
The NOJHL has followed suit over the past several seasons under commissioner Robert Mazzuca. Like Branch, Mazzuca — who was a rugged, skilled defenseman during his OHL playing days with the Sudbury Wolves — has little tolerance for violence.
While still rough and tough and not for the faint of heart, hockey has given the game back to the smart, skilled players. No longer do the goons rule the game and make a career and living from it.
Another big change over the years has been in player equipment, especially goalies. Google a photo of legendary Montreal Canadiens net-minder Ken Dryden and compare it to an image of any present-day goalie. No wonder goal-scoring is down and save percentages are up.
One former practice that I am happy was finally abolished at the minor and junior hockey levels is hazing and initiations.
When I started in the media in 1975, player hazing and initiations were an ugly, often-scary and such a totally-unecessary and barbaric part of the game. I am glad to see that such nonsense is no longer tolerated
The so-called 200-foot game is another big change that has happened over the years.
Gone are the days of the high-scoring forward who did not have to back-check. Likewise, gone are the days of the big, lumbering, slow-footed defenseman who rarely had to handle the puck outside his own blueline.
Coaching has also changed in a significant way.
It wasn’t that long ago when the coach ran the bench by himself without any — any — help from an assistant.
Nowadays, at the OHL and NOJHL levels, most head coaches have at least two assistants, sometimes more.
Coaching philosophies have also changed dramatically over the years with more emphasis on team defense, not to mention the extended use of video and analytics.
All in all, the majority of the changes have been for the good, although I do miss the days of a forward speeding down the wing and unleashing a wicked slap shot past a goalie who did not have nearly the equipment padding as today’s puck-stoppers possess.
OHL…occasional hitting league……..
Well stated RR.
My one peeve, that started about 11-14years ago, is the team skating past their benches, high fiving everyone, after scoring a goal.
In the NOJHL I recall noticing Suds first doing this vs the Skyhawks in the playoffs when Kerr was coaching. I believe it started gaining momentum in the previous world junior tournament.
Now the only team that doesn’t do it at any level is a Tom McCarthy coached team. I have always commended him on this and always felt it over the top to celebrate in that fashion . It started as a way to rub it in to the opposing team and now has developed in to the norm.
Any how.
CHEERS!
The bench clearing brawl’s from the old days were definatly entertaining but player safety is now more important than ever and I agree with RR about what Branch has done in that regards.