Take a look at the video above.

What we see are several hockey fights. Nothing too important, right?

Wrong.

It’s time for the NHL to rid itself of the attention grabbing gimmick that is fighting. Now, I understand that these physical altercations are a deeply rooted part of hockey’s culture and tradition. I understand that they act as an important attraction to the casual NHL observer such as myself.

But at this point, we need to allow hockey to survive in the mainstream sporting world on its own merits and not the bloody highlight clips that garner cheers and viewership. Can you imagine the severe penalties that would ensue brawling for players in any other major sport?

Fighting is an outdated custom. Every time I watch a hockey brawl, I half expect Russell Crowe to come out on the ice screaming, “Are you not entertained?!”

Despite the many flaws that still exist in the NFL, there is no denying the importance the league has placed on player safety in the last decade or so. Their has been a significant shift in how teams play defense due to rule changes and tackling restrictions. Has this changed the game? Yes, to a certain degree. But, a player’s risk for serious injury has been slightly decreased as a result. In the end, isn’t that worth it?

I know the NHL has taken steps to decrease fighting, but not enough has been done. The continued support of this barbaric tradition does nothing to add to the game itself.

What type of message does this send to young admirers? Is the risk of serious injury truly worth briefly catching the attention of an informal fan?

Hello, NHL? It’s the modern world. Please, won’t you join us?