Fighting could soon be banned by the QMJHL
Fighting is a controversial part of hockey, but it could be a thing of the past in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
According to several reports, the league is expected to introduce a new rule in June to ban fighting.
“I think it's pretty ridiculous, actually. Anyone who has followed the whole subject would know it's pretty much been an initiative of the Quebec government,” said hockey fan Brent Desveaux.
There have been some ugly incidents in the league.
In 2008, Jonathan Roy, son of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy, skated the length of the ice as a member of the Quebec Remparts and pummelled rival netminder Bobby Nadeau.
The QMJHL has added stiffer penalties for players dropping the gloves in the past, but taking it one step further is not sitting well with some fans who feel skilled players will be left unprotected.
“If that happens, if you get your third and fourth liners going after a top-six player dropping the gloves, well you're going to get a grinder suspended for a game along with a top-six player,” said Desveaux.
Fighting has never been part of the women's game -- in fact, it's not allowed at all.
“Our sport, we've enjoyed a lot of hockey without fighting. It's a great skills-based experience for people,” said Christina Lamey, president of the Cape Breton Female Blizzard Association.
Dave Leblanc is the long-time public address announcer in Sydney's main arena.
He says he’s witnessed many changes to the game over the years, and feels this latest one won't have much of an impact on or off the ice.
“I really don't know if a lot of people will stay away from the game, when you come to Centre 200 or Halifax or Charlottetown, you are getting to see the stars of the future. I think that's what's selling the game.”
The QMJHL denied an interview request to discuss the topic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal budget to include grocery rebate for lower income Canadians: sources
The 2023 federal budget includes a 'grocery rebate' that will be offered to Canadians with lower incomes who may be struggling with the rising cost of food, CTV News has confirmed.

MP Han Dong threatens legal action against Global over foreign interference report
Han Dong is threatening legal action against Global News and its parent company Corus Entertainment after the media outlet published an allegation the Toronto MP spoke to a Chinese diplomat about delaying the release of two Canadians.
Advocate questions whether Air Canada has 'cultural problem' after issue with teen's wheelchair
Flying over the Grand Canyon was a highlight for the Gellisen family during their trip to Phoenix, but their flight home to Toronto was a much different experience, with several family members forced off of the flight over tensions related to a teen's wheelchair.
'Rigorous' cost management needed as $5B Centre Block renovation proceeds: AG report
Despite delayed decision-making by parliamentarians, Canada's massive renovation of Parliament Hill's Centre Block is being effectively managed so far, according to a new audit. However, 'rigorous' cost management will be needed as the work proceeds, cautions auditor general Karen Hogan.
Quebec girl, 9, dies after snow fort collapses behind residence
A nine-year-old girl has died after a snow fort collapsed in a forest behind a rural Quebec home.
Xylazine: Expert view on risk of lethal substance in Canada’s street drug supply
Another harmful substance is spreading within Canada's unregulated street drug supply and, without more aggressive intervention from policymakers, one expert says a growing number of people could be at risk of serious illness, injury or death.
Essential oils and a secret code name: Things you didn't know about the coronation
King Charles III's coronation will be held on May 6 at London's Westminster Abbey. Here are some little-known facts about the ceremony:
Why lettuce prices are likely to rise again in Canada next month
Lettuce prices are likely to rise next month and could stay high into the summer, agriculture experts say, as flooding in a key California farming area becomes the latest example of extreme weather's effect on the food chain.
Police identify 16-year-old killed in 'unprovoked' stabbing at Toronto subway station
Police have identified a teenager who died after being stabbed in an ‘unprovoked’ attack at a Toronto subway station Saturday night, and have charged an adult male suspect with his murder.