"Hockey fights always feel a little absurd when their performativeness is laid bare. We know how it works, and why it's done, but crave permission to suspend disbelief."
"Rituals can matter for their own sake, and for the social cohesion they provide. The original philosophical principle of performativity referred not to insincerity trumping intent."
"The epistemology of a hockey fight becomes even more confusing when one party doesn't bother fighting back, and just stands there and eats the punches due."
"The Maple Leafs were flayed in the media and by fans for not seeking immediate revenge on Gudas, who injured Toronto captain Auston Matthews with a dirty knee-to-knee hit."
Hockey fights have diminished as the sport moves towards safety, benefiting the game overall. Historical fights, like the Red Wings-Avs brawl, reveal a stark contrast to modern fights, often pre-arranged. Rituals in hockey, such as fighting, can enhance team cohesion, not necessarily driven by hatred but by a sense of duty to teammates. The authenticity of fights is questioned when one participant does not retaliate, complicating the understanding of their purpose and impact on team dynamics.
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