In a world filled with hate and violence it would be nice if we as a society could at least turn to recreational sports, such as hockey, to help relieve the stress of our every day lives. However, this is gradually slipping away. Over the years, new advancements have tried to make the game more competitive and enjoyable to fans. However, with all the new excitement, the game has become much more aggressive and fans are being bred to violence instead of competition. Since fighting is tolerated in the NHL, excitement rises when bench-clearing brawls break out. This violence leads to other types of violence such as the common checking-from-behind, and the more recent slashing injuries. When younger players watch these games, the idea of violence is becoming implanted in their minds, causing them to mimic these styles into minor leagues. Even though the rules of hockey have not changed in any way that would provoke more violence, the inconsistencies in applying the rules and the advancement in technology has caused the game to become much more aggressive in minor and major leagues.
             Hitting from behind has been one of the most serious injuries when playing ice hockey. Every year the amount of injuries caused form hitting from behind increases. The outcome from this type of hit can be as little as make the player mad to as serious as paralyze him or her from the neck down. A study found by the Canadian Medical Association found that 243 spinal injuries were suffered in minor leagues within the last few years in Canada. Six of which were fatal. (Daly, A1) Only in the past year or two has hitting from behind been recognized as serious. Players are becoming less fearful to fight for the puck in the corners and in turn are getting hit from behind by the opposing team's defense. This was not thought of as a serious problem because no calls were being made. The player who delivered the hit would only receive a two-minute boa...