Reaves of Maple Leafs Advocates for Increased Aggression in Hockey, But the Sport Thrives Without It…
The aftermath of Saturday’s altercation between Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly and Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig lingers into Monday.
The debate over Rielly’s stick-check on Greig, who attempted a slapshot on an empty net, continues, with the defenseman set for an in-person hearing with the NHL player safety department on Tuesday. Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves, Rielly’s teammate, expressed his opinion on the matter, stating that Rielly’s response was appropriate, and a mere push wouldn’t effectively convey a message.
Reaves told the media, “It’s unfortunate that a young kid like that can get away with something like that, and then one of our best players is going to get suspended for it.” He went on to add, “Make hockey violent again – get that tattooed on me.”
While Reaves’ nostalgic comment may resonate with some, the reality is that the NHL has valid reasons for moving away from violent activities in favor of more reasonable player behavior expectations. Proposing the removal of the NHL’s instigator rule, as suggested by Reaves, would be a self-serving idea. While we acknowledge that such sentiments appeal to certain individuals, reverting to a more aggressive era is not a viable option.
Hockey has transitioned away from having single-role players like enforcers, and the game has benefited from this change. The NHL is now less prone to excessive violence, and the on-ice product has gained widespread popularity. If violence were an essential aspect of the sport, we would see disappointed fans demanding ticket refunds after every game without a fight or physical incident similar to Rielly’s high cross-check on Greig. However, the game doesn’t require such elements to thrive.
In truth, it never did. As we distance ourselves from past eras, hockey’s overall entertainment factor continues to reach new heights. Fans attend games and tune in on TV to witness teams score more goals than their opponents and witness quality plays, not to witness confrontations reminiscent of a bygone era, especially considering the long-term, significant costs associated with enforcer types.
While it’s easy to reminisce about the past and yearn for a return to perceived glory days, it’s crucial to recognize that the game has evolved into a superior era. Having a catchy phrase like “make hockey violent again” might appeal to a subset of hockey enthusiasts, but it won’t attract new fans.
The boundaries have been established regarding what is deemed acceptable and what isn’t, and the evolution of the sport makes it evident that the days of vigilante justice and fighting for the sake of it are long gone. If individuals like Reaves express displeasure with this evolution, so be it.
Leave a Reply