Fighting Numbers on the Decline

Those who drop their gloves are often well-enjoyed by fans. Enforcer sweaters may not sell the most (no enforcers cracked the league’s 25 best-selling sweaters in 2014-15), but fans still enjoy those who drop the gloves when necessary. Fictitious pugilists — such as Slap Shot‘s Hanson Brothers or Goon‘s Doug ‘The Thug’ Glatt — are also well-received by fans. Hell, even the Broad Street Bullies-era Flyers still drink for free in the Philadelphia area to this day.

But over the years, the game has evolved from a physical, beat-down style of play to one that emphasizes speed and skill. Subsequently, the role of the enforcer has diminished in recent years. What would that hold for the future of fighting?

“Players who did nothing but fight have been on the decline for a long time now, and many of those who fight have a wider skill set now,” David Singer, owner and creator of HockeyFights.com, said. “The NHL became extremely specialized. With more talent out there, that’s not an option anymore.”