Deaths Instigate Fighting Debate- Again!?!

1) There have been several untimely (is it ever timely to die?) deaths of current/former hockey players that have (re)ignited the endless debate over fighting in hockey. The most recent was the death of Winnipeg Jet, Rick Rypien. Although the cause of death is yet known fighting critics are already using this latest tragedy to make their point, that there is no place in hockey for fighting and saying that players suffer from a variety of ailments both during and after their careers that are damaging and even life threatening. The earlier deaths of Derek Boogard and former player Bob Probert sparked similar debates. A couple of years ago the death of a non NHL-er Don Sanderson in a pick up game sparked similar anti fighting outrage Now here columnists who weren't necessarily anti fighting are curiously linking these recent deaths together mainly because all 3 were fighters first, players second, and its mid August and what else can they write about right now?

2) Discounting the latter explanation, what about the 3 tragedies are similar besides that all 3 were Hockey pugilistic experts? We withhold our own explanation because as was done with Boogard, most anti fighting writers were already blaming post concussion syndrome (PCS) on his death BEFORE it was discovered he over-dosed on legal and illegal drugs. So in this instance what do they do? Well, since their previous explanation was shot down with facts they are trying to not only use the aforementioned PCS explanation but also the drugs/depression angle and tie that life style with their chosen profession of fighting. No facts are given or used, just supposition in an attempt to support their story line. Its compelling, but will undoubtedly fall like a house of cards once facts are uncovered. For instance do fighters have a higher rate of depression/drug use? If so are there other factors besides their on ice tendency to collect PM's? If they weren't hockey players would they be law abiding citizens and live to be old men? Are fighters having more PCS issues than other hockey players, or are theirs more publicized because it more closely aligns with the anti fighting movement's bent? I guess Sidney Crosby's famous fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXhwSyTQS2M last fall is what led to his continued issues now?

3) Fighting like every other facet of hockey is dangerous. However by and large no more dangerous than any other aspect of the game. What next, outlaw shot blocking? We have LONG been on record ascribing why we feel it is and should continue to be part of the game. why-fighting-remains-essential However the most important in my opinion are the players themselves who are overwhelmingly are in favour of keeping fighting in the game. The most recent poll we can recall (it was a secret ballot in case you're wondering): players-speak. Only 1% of respondents wanted fighting illegal!! Since only a fraction of players are fighting regularly, it would seem that non fighters understand the importance of this small aspect of the game and don't seem to see there being a problem. One can only hope that logic/facts win out here and not knee jerk emotionalism