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Back in the ‘70s we called this ‘expansion’ hockey - fights brought crowds! I stopped watching until The Great One appeared.
Gretzky and Bettman saved the NHL twice over.
Btw, great Flames-Canucks game last night - finally, the Canucks have a fearsome offense, even if they did lose this one. Hehe I have a standing arguement with my kids and co-workers about this.

Professional hockey has the same flavor as professional wrestling. IMHO It is rigged, just like pro wresting is now.

The "pure fan" knows hockey and enjoys it for what it is. The average "Joe Sixpack" fan just watches Pro Hockey for the fights. Don't believe me? Ask 100 people you know. I bet you more than 90 of 'em will say the best part of Hockey "is the fights!"

The team owners KNOW this and recruit kids who will "pump up the sagging sales" of seats with fights.

Fights are what attacts the average fan. Sickening, IMHO, but true.

OTOH, watch a College hockey game. MUCH more technical hockey, and no fights!

Of course, no big crowds/public interest either...Hmmm, I wonder why?