I like hockey, but I’ve never really been all that into it so there’s probably something I’m missing. However, this video which is currently making it’s internet rounds, shows a strangle little conversation (discussion) between two players just prior to a fight.
What’s the deal? Yeah they try to say it’s not scripted (like the WWE), but it sure looks that way.
It is not fake in the same way that the WWE is fake. In WWE the winner is pre-determined. This did not have a pre-determined outcome. These 2 players are what is commonly referred to as “goons”. This means they basically have no or very little skill beyond fisticuffs. There sole job is to fight, be it to “protect” a star player, get revenge on another player according to the hockey “code” or pump up the crowd/team. This video, where the two goons asking if they wanted to go (from memory, I am at work and can’t see the video but if its Brashear <black guy played for Phoenix> and some other guy) is not that uncommon. Hockey fights are often set-up in advance these days, everyone knows its going to happen, and when it does happen (usually in the 1st period) the “code” gods have been satisfied and the real game can start.
Before anyone gets upset at me, I do like fighting in Hockey, just not set-up fights. You get mad and want to punch a guy I am all for it.
I don’t think it was “set up” per say…I think they both wanted to go…Laroque was being cocky because he knows he can tear someone up and just said good luck…talking smack…Its often at the face off these things start as pretty much every player is a jabber jaws and likes to talk shit. I wouldn’t call this a “set up” though
I didn’t see any conversation prior to the fight. I saw some posturing, is that what you’re talking about?
You need to watch the video all the way through.
Ah was it Laroque? Ok, as said I didn’t watch the video, just remembered it was one of those 2 guys, my apologies.
:smack: Wow, you’re right. It really was set up.
That video doesn’t show it scripted. It’s just two guys who know their job, and approach it rather casually. There certainly are fights of pure emotion and wanting to hurt the other guy. I didn’t watch the game so I don’t know the set up before that, But there are times in a game or series when the fighter is expected to fight, and if he doesn’t someone else gets the job next year.
Hockey also throws an extra penalty in for ‘instigating’ if one of the dudes keeps pushing and provoking someone who doesn’t want to fight into a fight. So it just makes since if you respect the guy to ask if he wants to before you end up hurting your team.
A previous thread that mentions this fight for reference.
The fight was not personal. Pure business.
Two craftsmen talking shop.
If the whole thing was scripted, they wouldn’t have had the conversation in the first place.
Anyway, that was just two goons trying to justify their existance(and paychecks) by going out and doing what they’re paid to do.
Why don’t they just drop the pretense of chasing around a tiny puck with sticks and just show fighting on skates? WWE on ice!