Fighting & Taking Off Your Helmet

So yesterday I talked about the stupidity of jersey tuck delay of game penalty. Another one of the stupid rules initiated by the NHL for the season, is giving players a two minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taking their helmets off before a fight. Removing your helmet is kinda like a courtesy shown by each fighter. It hurts a lot to repeatedly punch a hard plastic helmet and visor, so we’ll help each other out by taking off our helmets. Logical, especially when you’re considering the two individuals doing it are consenting for the other to punch them in the face. The NHL has been hearing the calls for the elimination of fighting for years, especially in light of what is now known about concussions and head injuries. I will not delve into that debate here. All I will say is that the NHL, being too afraid and insecure to make any sort of action to please either side of the debate, is left to make gutless, lame gestures like this. ‘Maybe this will discourage fighters.’ If two players are willing to fight, I think they are aware of the potential repercussions (such as concussions) of their actions.

(Another interesting theory that I’ve heard, is that rules like this and the jersey tuck are just the owners way to get back at the players for not complying to their demands and elongating the lockout. There’s always conspiracy theorists. By the same token, someone suggested that all players tuck their jerseys in, which would be absolutely brilliant and a great FU to the league for that stupid rule.)

Well, last night, the Devils Krys Barch and the Islanders Brett Gallant found a way around this rule. How? By taking off each other’s helmet. Enjoy the brilliance and hilarity: 

As it is, this is a great FU to the league. How long will it last before this loophole is closed up? Who knows. But fighters can find ways to make it work. There is usually a great level of respect between the two combatants; they look out for each other, despite the fact they’re trying to punch the other in the face. The two videos that follow are evidence of this mutual respect.