by Willard King

Created on: April 02, 2009

Fighting, is it good for Hockey?

The "hired goon" or "enforcer" as he is known by, has been a crucial part of hockey since its conception, the "goon" has a most important role. He looks after the skilled players on his team, without his presence the skilled players can be easily targeted, and their play is hampered, their ice time and space taken away, making them ineffectual. Skilled players have always loved having that added insurance, of having a tough guy to protect them, allowing them to play their game. With an enforcer on the team or on the ice, all the other players on the ice or in the game are well aware of what happens, or could happen if you take liberties with a team's skilled players. So the enforcer does emit a vibe, a clear don't screw around with our player's vibe, the bigger the reputation the more room there is for the skilled players on the ice.

This is but one example of what the league's GM's, and the NHL commissioner would look at. Take the average salary of an "enforcer" he might get a multi year deal worth a little over one million dollars, perhaps a little more if he has some hockey skills, as displayed by forwards like Ottawa's Chris Neil.

The average salary of the goal scorer or skilled forward, is often two or three times or more than the amount of what an enforcer might make. Danny Heatley might earn ten million dollars this season, but how could he earn this money if he had to fight for himself? Heatley makes the money he does, because he can play the game at a high skill level. Neil's skills and aggressiveness are no less appreciated by not only teammates, but coaches and fans alike. His aggressive play, lets the skilled players like Heatley have the room they need to perform their maneuvers, and utilize their goal scoring skills.

The salary difference alone is a good point but follow through with me on this point. The goon gets into a fight and breaks a bone in his hand, which could potentially sideline him for weeks, even months, depending on the severity of the injury. The salary loss of the enforcer is not as noticeable, and the line up can be adjusted around them. Another younger player or "call up" or depth player can take their place, and the team can carry on. Chris Neil at 1.2 million for this year when averaged out over 84 games it works out to just under $15 000 a game. But you take the enforcer out of the game, the other team will notice and should take advantage, it is up to the team to step up in the absence of their

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