Fighting has been intertwined with hockey since its inception. It's an outlet for heightened emotions, serving as a mechanism for players to regain control when the game spirals out of bounds. But this choice isn't without its risks, and those who partake comprehend the dangers it brings.
When two players decide to drop the gloves, it falls on the linesmen to exercise utmost caution in safeguarding those involved. Regrettably, a recent incident serves as a lesson, highlighting what officials should avoid.
As the two players gear up for an altercation, a linesman makes a concerning decision. Instead of maneuvering around the engaged players, the linesman recklessly steps between them. This ill-judged move leaves one player oblivious to an impending right hook. As he advances, he absorbs a direct hit to the face, knocking him to the ice.
The player involved crashes to the ice, necessitating immediate attention from medical personnel. He's subsequently carried off on a stretcher. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pivotal role positioning plays for officials and how their choices can yield grave consequences for the players they're tasked with protecting.
