Comments on: The 2010-2011 NHL Season: Why We Need To Remember The Tragedy http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/ Pittsburgh Penguins News - Blog Sat, 25 May 2013 21:19:48 +0000 hourly 1 By: Coach Bombay http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7250 Coach Bombay Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:18:24 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7250 Thanks, Rick. I appreciate the compliment. The amount of discussion that this summer’s tragedies sparked was very interesting. The number of former players that spoke up about how much they grew to dislike their roles as enforcers and the toll that it took on them really was surprising. And, you’re right, everyone in the media had nothing but the kindest words to say about the NHL “tough guys”…they were some of the most beloved off the ice by the media, by their teammates, the community. True gentle giants in a sense.

An example that maybe Pens fans can relate to is Georges Laraque who immediately gained a spot in the fans’ heart for his reputation as a heavy weight fighter. He fell out of the fans good graces though as time went on and he tried more to play the game than deliver big hits and drop the gloves. He has been very vocal about discussing how much he really disliked his role as an enforcer and fighter but did it only because it was what was expected of him. The fans don’t think about the player as a human dealing with those emotions, just as someone there to provide entertainment.

Regardles, I think that this summer was an eye-opener. Yes, all three cases were different. But to those who think there is no connection, especially with former and even current enforcers speaking out, I think they need to wake up. I just hope that the discourse continues. Removing fighting will not change things since there will still be guys who have the job every night to target certain players (and at the same time put themselves in a higher risk position), but maybe the league and PA will be better equipped to deal with their needs.

]]> By: Coach Bombay http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7249 Coach Bombay Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:07:34 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7249 That was me…this is linked to out FB page.

]]> By: Rick Buker http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7164 Rick Buker Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:21:26 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7164 Just an outstanding article, Coach, well written and filled with excellent insights. Having cut my hockey teeth back in the NHL’s “wild west” days of the 1970s, I must confess that I’ve always had an affinity for the tough guys. But I can only imagine just how difficult their role would be. Imagine going into office each day knowing you might have to fight someone from a competing company. The psychological wear and tear must be incredible. To top it off, I’ve heard over and over again that the tough guys are some of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet off the ice. Their role must cause an enormous amount of emotional conflict and turmoil.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7085 Anonymous Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:02:52 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7085 Thank you, Evan. That it made you aware is the best kind of compliment on a post like this that is meant to keep discussion and memories alive on such a serious topic. Those of us that follow the sport religiously sometimes forget that not everyone does and that part of what we should be doing is sharing the off-ice side of things as well, the good and the bad.

-Coach Bombay

]]> By: Coach Bombay http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7084 Coach Bombay Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:01:27 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7084 Thank you, Evan. That it made you aware is the best kind of compliment on a post like this that is meant to keep discussion and memories alive on such a serious topic. Those of us that follow the sport religiously sometimes forget that not everyone does and that part of what we should be doing is sharing the off-ice side of things as well, the good and the bad.

]]> By: Evan http://www.penguinpoop.com/2011/the-2010-2011-nhl-season-why-we-need-to-remember-the-tragedy/#comment-7074 Evan Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:55:45 +0000 http://www.penguinpoop.com/?p=8498#comment-7074 This is my favorite, and most eye opening post yet. I never realized all of the tragedies of the off season. My thoughts and prayers will all of the families who battle these demons on a daily basis.

]]>