Fighting in hockey: Ralph Backstrom
Ralph Backstrom, Founder
On fighting in hockey (general): “Well it happens, it’s a physical game. A lot of times a fight will start when someone inadvertently is slashed or high sticked or something, which will result in tow guys going at it, but in most instances, probably in the high 90’s nobody really ever gets hurt. You may the odd bloody nose but you get two combatants out there of equal size that are ready to throw some punches, very, very seldom do you ever see any body hurt in a fight like that because they both know how to fight, but they also know how avoid getting hit. It avoids a lot of frustration and I think sometimes a good battle between two players that are let go will set the tone for the rest of the game. But I have mixed emotions about it, I think in some ways its part of the game and will always be a part of the game. I’ve been a part of the game for over 50 years and I’ve seen a lot of things happen out there.”
On the strategy of fighting: “Where it all started is you’ll get some of your talented players, and a lot of times they are smaller players, the opposing coach will tell their team to hit them as many times as you possibly can to slow them down. And that resulted in the other coach saying we can let these big guys run our little guys so you take care of them. And you may not come out and say it but what they’ll do is say in such a manner that’s what one of the tougher guy on your bench is designated to do.”
On the difference between the NCAA and the ECHL: “Keep in mind that college you where full face gear. There’s really not much sense in fighting, if you want to break your hand, sure, punch somebody in the mouth with your fist. But the NCAA frowns on fighting and it’s a good rule. But when you take that next step up things do happen. And the tougher guys on your team feel they have an obligation to protect your smaller, more talented players on your team. It’s a vicious circle, but that’s the way it is.”