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spade632
Rookie
Canada
247 Posts |
 Posted - 03/25/2011 : 13:05:23
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Gretzky spoke with Michael Landsberg about headshots/concussions and respect in the game among other things. the article's an interesting read (the interview is on Friday's Off The Record as well),
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=359481
Interestingly, Gretzky suggests taking out the instigator rule on a trial basis.
quote:
Gretzky came up with a novel solution on how to protect the star players as he suggested the NHL consider eliminating the instigator rule on a trial basis.
"Let's try it back in the game for one year just to satisfy everybody's curiosity," said Gretzky.
"I was lucky enough to have a guy like Marty McSorley. That was part of the game and part of what went on in our sport. Now if we all think and everyone feels that the instigator issue will change things, then let's try it for awhile."
Thoughts on that (and anything else he said?
Edit: I started a Yes/No Instigator Rule Poll here > http://www.pickuphockey.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15621
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Edited by - spade632 on 03/25/2011 13:10:37
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2011 : 15:06:31
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There is a point to what Gretzky says but at the same time, you didn't post the comments by McSorley recently where he states he regrets fighting so much because he deals with post-concussion syndrome nearly all the time.
I did appreciate some of what Gretzky said. Specifically about the game being bigger, stronger, faster than when he played. How he said a 6'5" guy used to be an easy target for being untalented and uncoordinated but that is no longer the case. Also though Sather was a genius for things like making players practice without helmets to teach them to keep their sticks and their shots down.
Most importantly, he talked about the grass roots hockey and the 10 and 11 year old kids and what they are learning. That is the key to finding improvements and I agree completely. The other thing he said that I completely agree with is that this is more of a player problem than it is a league problem.
Gretzky is a smart guys and makes a lot of sense when he talks. You might not agree with him, but you can always understand his point and respect that point. Bettman should be on the phone to Gretzky right now and having him help the NHL make things better. |
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JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2011 : 23:46:02
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Bettman should lose his number and never again waste Gretzky's time. Bettman is the reason Gretzky is no longer a NHL owner, lost millions, is no longer involved in any NHL position what so ever, has to speak away from hockey night in Canada or on a reputible hockey program and has to deal with a media troll like Michael Landsberg.
I do agree with you that Gretzky has very valid points and would be a wonderful person to voice changes for the improvement of the sport. |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 03/26/2011 : 08:12:43
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Good point Beans & to briefly add on to them:
Bob Mackenzie was on the other night and since they have introduced contact into the younger kids in Minor hockey concussions are up 26%. Tbar don't forget to teach our 8 - 10 yr olds how to fight on the ice & take their helmets off so they can handle their business & protect their teammates  jk
Here's my lone problem with Gretzky signing off on the concussions & fighting. He never had to defend himself, as he had a guy like Macsorely or others defending him who as you have indictated now suffers regular headaches. If Gretz was in Macsorely's shoes or Janet in Bob Probert's wife shoes would either be as adament about fighting as a preventive measure? That said Gretzky is always and intelligent figure to listen to and someone who should have a say about the development in the game just maybe not about fighting.
Gretz says to bring back the instigator rule to keep the likes of Cooke in check (Not his exact words). My only question to that is - If I am George Parros & Jordan Tootoo runs Ryan, Perry or Getzlaf. What in the current rules is really dettering me from knocking his block off as I am only playing 10 - 15mins over a 5 game stretch? Should the fear of suspension really prevent the Parros & Orr's from seeking retribution? For those of you who love fighting, but view the instigator as putting that team a man short, which thus forces the tough guy to not seek retribution. Your average pp is about 17% which means if you were to seek retribution you would cost your team (worse cs scenario) 1 every 5.88 times & you miss your 3 minutes next game. Sorry, i see a detterance for a guy like Lucic or Chara but what is stopping your heavyweights from taking action besides there joy of sitting on the bench as oppose to the press box.
That's why I have always viewed the "instigator rule" complaint people make as a cop out. The guys who are paid to seek retribution don't play anyway, but the Cookes who play 14 - 18 mins a game have rules in place that are intended to stop them from running guys & causing concussions (clearly not preventing anything) So why exactly are the guys playing 1 - 4 mins so concerned about abidding by the rules??
In youth we learn; in age we understand |
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Gretzky Speaks on concussions etc. 
