Polemic Hockey

Best one I've read.

Transcending the fighting issue is this:

We always seem to be talking about the image of hockey, the identity of the league, and how the NHL allows outside forces to define both of them. How can the league develop a distinct image when it's constantly trying to triangulate its message like a Clinton running for office? How does it define an identity when it's in a constant state of identity crisis?

So true. Most people can tell image cultivation when they see it. The reality is, it leaves a sort of rotten feeling in your mouth. If the sport was truly ever going to abandon physicality, it would have done so a long time ago.

The problem is, the NHL knows that would significantly erode the support of its core fan base while only drawing tepid support from fair-weather fans. It can't do it. It also knows that it has to draw fair-weather fans to generate an audience in 30 cities in arenas and on television. Problem is, it isn't patient enough to do that the right way, but, instead wants to do it quick and cheap.

That's where the double-speak comes from. But it's totally myopic.