We are longtime fans and season's ticket holders of Powell River Kings’ hockey games.
Over the last 10 years or so the BC Hockey League has made rule changes to make the game noticeably less violent and it must be commended for that. There are still too many instances, however, where ice fights take over and sportsmanship and respect are put aside.
The February 23 Kings/Alberni Valley Bulldogs game was a glaring example, but there have been others. Many officials, coaches, players and fans seem to make light of this violence and the positive and beneficial gains over the years are negated.
What happens when we do that?
One major spinoff, in our opinion, is that so long as bullying and violence are sanctioned at virtually all levels, even encouraged at times, in our national sport, so long will bullying and violence amongst youth continue in our schools and streets. It is essential that we all embrace and cultivate a vision of respect for opponents and teach alternatives to violence. The battlefields of the world, no less than on the ice, will be the benefactors.
What we often teach them now is that when the going gets tough, the tough should resort to fighting. Kids need a better model to emulate.
Establish training in nonviolent ways to resolve differences; support education for adults, parents and coaches; toughen the rules and heighten the penalties for violence.
David Harvey and Paul Wiltse are City of Powell River residents.
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