I find it interesting some of the comments regarding dirty play and injuries. I don’t track this but from where I am watching, the dirty play has decreased as have injuries related to bad hits and dirty play.
I think there needs to be a strong distinction between dirty play and chippy play. There will always be players that play up to the line and maybe cross it now and then in an effort to draw a reaction and an ensuing penalty based on a retaliation. Opposing teams hate that player and the home teams love that player. Brad Marchand is a great NHL example. Brady Stonehouse is a great OHL example.
If we look at the NHL, a player like Scott Stevens is now a dinosaur. Players can no longer target heads without facing severe consequences from major penalties, fines and suspensions, even in the NHL. Heavy checks from behind into the boards now are pretty much gone with the exception of the accidents where a player changes direction at the last second and gets hit awkwardly into the boards. Hard hits that make primary contact to the head are penalized agressively. Slashes on the hands and arms are called almost 100%. Hooks to the hands and under the hands are called almost 100%. Slew Footing has been expanded and I think mist of us still don’t have a complete understanding of what that is now. Anyone falling back awkwardly is usually the recipient of a slew foot call now.
Officials MANAGE THE GAME. It is their responsibility to make judgements with respect to what is a penalty when things like roughing or post-whistle scrums happen. Players will be agressive and when they are overly aggressive, they go to the box and feel shame. More often than not, it is the defending team in front of their own net that is trying to defend the goalie needlessly that causes a lot of the post-whistle scrums. It seems like a player going for an open puck or lightly bumps the goalie out of the crease going for the puck is the mortal enemy. No harm no foul, right? Wrong. Melee ensues.
The game of hockey is evolving into a more skilled game that is emphasizing speed. As changes at the Major Junior level are made, those changes will translate into culture changes that organically filter up to the NHL.
Hockey is the only major sport where fighting is allowed with a penalty assessed that doesn’t put the player out of the game. There is no need for it (as much as I like a good heated fight as a spectator). Kids should not be in situations where they are fighting. Grown adults shouldn’t be in situations where they are fighting either!
Chippy play will always be a part of the game and it is encouraged. Dirty play is not and has been called relatively consistent. Major fouls are reviewed in game as well. We see countless suspension in the OHL for all sorts of plays. Many of which the home team fans are upset about them or the length.
The OHL has a 3 fight rule which I find ridiculous. Either fighting is allowed or it is not. It should not be, “well, there is a need for fighting but not a need for a lot of fighting.” It is silly. Either fighting is dangerous and needs to be banned or it isn’t. Figure it out.