Bodychecking in hockey

Kudos to Anthony Marchie and Michael Cusimano1 for their informative and valuable article regarding an issue that affects many Canadian families. However, the authors make an erroneous extrapolation. In examining violent acts perpetrated by hockey teams in Stanley Cup final series, as indicated by recorded penalties,2 Marchie and Cusimano note that “teams playing with less violence were more likely to win. Compared with more violent teams, they had on average over 7 more shots on goal per game and 53 more shots on goal over a 7-game series.” Stating that victory resulted from less violence is a fallacy. Teams can play with extreme violence yet contain their actions to that which is within the rules; no penalty is incurred, even though significant violence is employed. In addition, less skilled teams may resort to a more physical and thus more violent strategy in an attempt to win the game.

Neal H. Shaw Teacher Oakville, Ont.