Everytime I watch a hockey game (which is not very often), there’s some fight breaking out. I can’t understand why it’s a natural reaction from players, even to the mildest of threats on the ice. Then I heard about Canadian NHL draft pick Gavin McKenna being charged with felony aggravated assault (which was later dropped) while at a bar. My question: is it that competitive athletes are conditioned to be aggressive, or is it to feel empowered and dominant?Â
Although the situation with McKenna was reportedly a matter of defense after there was an exchange of words about his mom, I would consider his behaviour being influenced by a competitive nature and asserted himself only because it was out of protection. Perhaps that’s what dominance on the ice is about — not to win or have the upper hand, but to protect oneself or one’s teammates out of brotherhood. Off the ice, aggression can be a response stemming from a desire to defend those we love. In that regard, I view sportsmanship differently and I understand those who choose to fight.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.