Such a harrowing read, especially after the largest study on CTE in hockey was released just last month, and Gary Bettman still refuses to acknowledge the link between the sport and the deadly disease. Just a really disturbing look at how our appetite for violence and kids desperate to break into their favorite sport can prove an extremely dangerous and even fatal combination. While situations may not be exactly the same, it’s clear we still haven’t learned our lesson in protecting players and focusing on developing their game instead of using them as violent entertainment deployed to engage crowds losing interest…iykyk. I won’t act like hockey fights can’t be entertaining or energizing but when they come at the expense of players’ lives, there should be some reform. I also don’t think fights are the answer to outgrowing the perpetual “little brother” status of the nhl in pro sports. At least there are fewer fights these days which is (a small) something.