Why do guys with half shields get mad

[jgnp15333 0]

Caught an elbow to the face last night at roller and will probably end up with a shiner and this morning at ice I caught a puck in the same exact spot - luckily it bounced off the visor instead going up & under.

I get it - I made the choice to NOT wear a cage and I assume the risk. I understand that if I get womped in the face that it was, most likely, an accident and usually due to someone who can't put on the brakes or just has bad luck. However, the guys with the "you-deserve-it" attitude - I'm glad I don't play with you. Someone gunning to hit me in the face with a puck/stick/body part intentionally is going to have a BIG problem.

[Larry54 243]

Caught an elbow to the face last night at roller and will probably end up with a shiner and this morning at ice I caught a puck in the same exact spot - luckily it bounced off the visor instead going up & under.

I get it - I made the choice to NOT wear a cage and I assume the risk. I understand that if I get womped in the face that it was, most likely, an accident and usually due to someone who can't put on the brakes or just has bad luck. However, the guys with the "you-deserve-it" attitude - I'm glad I don't play with you. Someone gunning to hit me in the face with a puck/stick/body part intentionally is going to have a BIG problem.

I thought that way when I was younger. I got wiser as I got older. Too bad I broke a front tooth and had to pay a nice dental bill before I got wiser. But that's typical human nature. Now I regret my stupidity and you probably will also one day. Only then will you actually get it but it will be too late.

[tareatingrat 4]

Yeah, I guess I shouldn't say you "deserve it," as might have been my tone in earlier posts. Nobody deserves to get hurt.

But if you don't protect yourself, I don't think you really have a right to complain. It's one thing if a guy is gunning for you, but 99% of injuries to the face are accidental. Your make the choice to play without, then yeah, you really should suck it up.

But again, I'm repeating myself.

I thought that way when I was younger. I got wiser as I got older. Too bad I broke a front tooth and had to pay a nice dental bill before I got wiser. But that's typical human nature. Now I regret my stupidity and you probably will also one day. Only then will you actually get it but it will be too late.

Bingo.

[jumtao 0]

How about this then..... we go out and play and I "don't control" where I stick my elbows..... as we go into the corner and I just happen to drive my elbow into your chin and drop you like a bad habit because you're shorter than me and my elbow just happens to be right even with your face.... it's all good though 'cuz you got a cage on and it was an accident - right? You'll forgive me ocne you wake up and the post concussion syndrome runs it's course?

You know what, I have more respect for my fellow players than that and I watch where my stick and elbows are. I know that we all have to go to work tomorrow and I know the kind of damage that can be done by being careless. I hold everyone else to the standard that I hold myself to whether they like it or not.... If I hit you accidentally, then I apologize immediately and if I did it on purpose you'll know that right away too.

Wow! You are very ignorant. We are talking about accidents here, not fully going out there to take some guys head off. Accidents happen and hence the term 'accidents'. That's why people do everything possible to protect themselves such as buying insurance or in this case wearing a full cage if anything was to happen.

While I agree that people should control their sticks, sometimes things happen that are out of their control. For example, someone taking a big hit and when falling to the ice his stick flies up and hits someone in the face. How is he going to control his stick when he can't even control his body in this situation?

So let's say you get hit in the face like that, you're gonna go rough him up? That's just sad

[The Mafia Line 0]

A guy on my rec team wears a half shield and he accidentally ran face first into another guy with a cage and the cage scratched his lip, his chin and all around. He needed stitches on his chin and had a fat lip for a week. Wasn't shocked when he came with a cage the next week.

[zebra_steve 11]

Wow! You are very ignorant. We are talking about accidents here, not fully going out there to take some guys head off. Accidents happen and hence the term 'accidents'. That's why people do everything possible to protect themselves such as buying insurance or in this case wearing a full cage if anything was to happen.

While I agree that people should control their sticks, sometimes things happen that are out of their control. For example, someone taking a big hit and when falling to the ice his stick flies up and hits someone in the face. How is he going to control his stick when he can't even control his body in this situation?

So let's say you get hit in the face like that, you're gonna go rough him up? That's just sad

Jummie ... you missed the spot where I said that I DO NOT play that way and do respect my opponents... the whole point I was making with that example that is lost on you is that at 6'4" and 270+# I could just go out there and not worry where my elbows are and cause real mayhem.... MORE SO than an accidental high stick because of the close proximity they naturally have to the head of a 5'10" player... I've tucked in my elbows to avoid contact to a players jaw who was having enough trouble trying to stand up and poke check me at the same time. I guarantee that if I didn't pay attention to where I put them and played aggressive like I did 20 years ago in college guys would get hit in the ear, head, face\mouth simply because of where they naturally sit. This example is no different than the guys that refuse to take responsibility for where they put their stick. Point is...I can play respectful... or not.... generally I have chosen not to play at all when others are not showing proper respect for their opponent.... I'm too old to get really wrapped up in the competitive side... I want to skate a little, pass a lot, shoot a couple times and have fun. I don't need to have to worry about slashes, stick chops, high sticks, missed aggressive stick lifts coming anywhere near my head or neck... Yes, accidents happen - been on both ends of it... what riles us up is carelessness and ignorance and hiding behind the "just wear a cage" attitude that those that cannot (or refuse to) maintain a proper semblance of control over their sticks. If the Mites and Squirts can learn this why can't they????

And just to add something else here...one of my local rinks no longer offers open pickup\"drop in" hockey because of stuff like this. Said it was not worth the hassle to them.....

[Larry54 243]

Jummie ... you missed the spot where I said that I DO NOT play that way and do respect my opponents... the whole point I was making with that example that is lost on you is that at 6'4" and 270+# I could just go out there and not worry where my elbows are and cause real mayhem.... MORE SO than an accidental high stick because of the close proximity they naturally have to the head of a 5'10" player... I've tucked in my elbows to avoid contact to a players jaw who was having enough trouble trying to stand up and poke check me at the same time. I guarantee that if I didn't pay attention to where I put them and played aggressive like I did 20 years ago in college guys would get hit in the ear, head, face\mouth simply because of where they naturally sit. This example is no different than the guys that refuse to take responsibility for where they put their stick. Point is...I can play respectful... or not.... generally I have chosen not to play at all when others are not showing proper respect for their opponent.... I'm too old to get really wrapped up in the competitive side... I want to skate a little, pass a lot, shoot a couple times and have fun. I don't need to have to worry about slashes, stick chops, high sticks, missed aggressive stick lifts coming anywhere near my head or neck... Yes, accidents happen - been on both ends of it... what riles us up is carelessness and ignorance and hiding behind the "just wear a cage" attitude that those that cannot (or refuse to) maintain a proper semblance of control over their sticks. If the Mites and Squirts can learn this why can't they????

And just to add something else here...one of my local rinks no longer offers open pickup\"drop in" hockey because of stuff like this. Said it was not worth the hassle to them.....

In Montreal, some of our city rinks that stopped open hockey did so because of a few bad experiences with jerks who were intentionally violent and wanted to start fights. That's the hassle that they didn't want to put up with, not the careless high sticks and the such. All the city rinks that still have open hockey solved the latter problem by making full-face protection mandatory, and that solution seems to be working very well.

[Martin88 0]

Just played in a tourny with a bunch of guys who dont wear visors when they play. The tourny was mandatory cages so they all borrowed uper old ones from friends or whatnot in their shed or something. They kept complaining, but when I showed them my cage post game (True Vision) they were all shocked at how much better it was then the filthy old cage they had been wearing. I think that if these players would just be exposed to a top quality cage in the firstplace they might realise its not AS bad as they think.

[zebra_steve 11]

Larry,

That's part of the issue.... you have idiots like that, idiots that refuse to be responsible for their sticks, people with more money than brains with a lawyer on speed dial that start stuff get whupped for it and want to sue everyone for their stupidity, etc..... Just another reason I don't play much anymore....

Martin,

I am VERY ACTIVE in hockey so I get to an opportunity to see\check out the new stuff.... Still prefer just a shield or nothing at all if I feel that I can trust the other guys to be responsible. If I see any JR or College kids then I know all bets are probably off... sad huh...

[jumtao 0]

Jummie ... you missed the spot where I said that I DO NOT play that way and do respect my opponents... the whole point I was making with that example that is lost on you is that at 6'4" and 270+# I could just go out there and not worry where my elbows are and cause real mayhem.... MORE SO than an accidental high stick because of the close proximity they naturally have to the head of a 5'10" player... I've tucked in my elbows to avoid contact to a players jaw who was having enough trouble trying to stand up and poke check me at the same time. I guarantee that if I didn't pay attention to where I put them and played aggressive like I did 20 years ago in college guys would get hit in the ear, head, face\mouth simply because of where they naturally sit. This example is no different than the guys that refuse to take responsibility for where they put their stick. Point is...I can play respectful... or not.... generally I have chosen not to play at all when others are not showing proper respect for their opponent.... I'm too old to get really wrapped up in the competitive side... I want to skate a little, pass a lot, shoot a couple times and have fun. I don't need to have to worry about slashes, stick chops, high sticks, missed aggressive stick lifts coming anywhere near my head or neck... Yes, accidents happen - been on both ends of it... what riles us up is carelessness and ignorance and hiding behind the "just wear a cage" attitude that those that cannot (or refuse to) maintain a proper semblance of control over their sticks. If the Mites and Squirts can learn this why can't they????

And just to add something else here...one of my local rinks no longer offers open pickup\"drop in" hockey because of stuff like this. Said it was not worth the hassle to them.....

Point misread and I apologize. I agree that every player should be respectful of others and control their body and sticks when initiating contact. However, having a cage on should mitigate any problems that arise in the case of accidents. By no means am I saying that it's ok for a person to be wild regardless if a person has facial protection or not. I just like to take the extra precaution and protect myself so I don't get hurt when I run into these instances.

[zebra_steve 11]

Jummie... please don't think this is directed at you specifically...

The point that us neanderthal shield wearers are trying to make is that we understand and accept that accidents happen.... but we see far too many players that either don't give a shit, or don't have a clue where their sticks are and when we call them on it they tell us to get a cage and it won't be a problem anymore..... Well, YES it will still be a problem because their ignorance and disregard for the safety of others STILL HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED whether it has been mitigated by a cage or not. You smack me in the mouth I might get some stitches or lose teeth... you hit me in the throat, maybe you fracture\crush my trachea. You know what? I could easily be dead before the ambulance gets there! A cage won't help this, and the current neck guards might not help either.This is why we get so torqued off... It's about being responsible for your stick and keeping it on the god-damned ice where it belongs!

Edited to add I don't know why I have to keep adding to this thread except that I feel really strongly about this one - doesn't matter whether I'm wearing a shield or a cage.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

You smack me in the mouth I might get some stitches or lose teeth... you hit me in the throat, maybe you fracture\crush my trachea. You know what? I could easily be dead before the ambulance gets there! A cage won't help this, and the current neck guards might not help either.This is why we get so torqued off... It's about being responsible for your stick and keeping it on the god-damned ice where it belongs!

Edited to add I don't know why I have to keep adding to this thread except that I feel really strongly about this one - doesn't matter whether I'm wearing a shield or a cage.

I'm right on with what you just said ZebraSteve. A cage/helmet combo isn't going to help a wild swingin beginner or someone who doesn't give a shit catching someone in the trachea or jugular which can knocked them out. Keep the sticks down and your stick should really never come past your waistline.

[tareatingrat 4]

but we see far too many players that either don't give a shit, or don't have a clue where their sticks are and when we call them on it they tell us to get a cage and it won't be a problem anymore..... Well, YES it will still be a problem because their ignorance and disregard for the safety of others STILL HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED whether it has been mitigated by a cage or not.

This is definitely an argument for wearing as much protection as possible. Because we all know those players are out there, whether it's right or not (and it's not), they're there.

No, their response shouldn't be, "Get a cage," it should be an apology. But that doesn't change the fact if you did have a cage, you could call them on it, and not be injured. Why not give them hell without having to spit out blood and teeth?

you hit me in the throat, maybe you fracture\crush my trachea. You know what? I could easily be dead before the ambulance gets there! A cage won't help this, and the current neck guards might not help either.

While this is true, this could happen in a variety of circumstances, which is again a reason to protect yourself as much as possible. I could trip in front of the net and land throat first on the crossbar. I could trip and fall on somebody's stick. Accidents. There are a few assholes, but the majority of the people out there aren't there with malicious intent. It's a risky sport.

Edited to add I don't know why I have to keep adding to this thread except that I feel really strongly about this one - doesn't matter whether I'm wearing a shield or a cage.

Ideally. But be realistic. And it does matter whether you wear a shield or a cage. The cage will offer more protection than a shield. Will it protect you from everything out there? No, but it will reduce the chance of injury. The argument isn't about how shitty some players are. We all know that and by stepping onto any ice surface, you accept that there may be a couple of players like that out there. That doesn't make inconsiderate, dangerous, or reckless play acceptable, but stop pretending that everybody is going to be a saint out there.

Logically, if I could, I would protect myself against getting hurt as much as possible, and then if there was somebody being a douche out there, I would let them know.

Your argument is essentially that everybody should do everything correctly and properly on the ice, all the time. It's just not going to happen. If you're a referee, that's kind of why you have a job refereeing.

It's like saying, "Hey, I don't have to wear a seatbelt because everybody should drive properly!" Yeah, we know, but it's just not going to happen no matter how much you try to fix it.

But again, I agree with you. I would much prefer to live in that world where I didn't need a cage or shield. I just don't trust other people that much, and if I can protect myself, I will, because the only thing I like less than getting high-sticked by somebody is getting hurt by that high-stick.

I'm right on with what you just said ZebraSteve. A cage/helmet combo isn't going to help a wild swingin beginner or someone who doesn't give a shit catching someone in the trachea or jugular which can knocked them out. Keep the sticks down and your stick should really never come past your waistline.

No, but nothing will help against somebody who doesn't give a shit. That's the risk you take when you step on the ice.

As far as sticks never coming past the waistline, have you ever watched an NHL game? Christ, 99% of their stick work would be called as penalties in my beer league. I know they're obviously different, but hockey is a physical contact sport, even in a non-hitting league.

Hockey is a game where players swing sticks around. That is the game. Ideally, they keep them down, but how can a reasonable person not realize that due to the nature of the game, those sticks are going to come up?

[NuggyBuggy 0]

Sticks are a no-brainer, but I love it when guys wearing a visor or *no* visor play D in a league, stand in front of the net, and then get upset when the puck gets up.

If you're in a game and standing in a shooting lane, either accept the possibility that the puck will go high, wear a cage, or get the hell out of the way. And learn how to place your stick when a shot is coming in.

[BarDownGinos 3]

I wear a visor, I've been hit in the mouth twice. Once I was on the wrong side of the guy and he took a slapper with a ridiculous amount of follow through- he knew I was there (He was probably 5'7, I stand 6'2 off skates) that busted open my lip pretty good. The second time was a guy wildly trying to clear the puck from in front of his net. Exchanged some harsh words both times but got apologies both times, end of story. Anytime I've ever clipped a guy or even gotten close to his face I'll say "sorry". I know you can't tell someone not to wear a piece of safety equipment but If I made the rules, nobody would be allowed to wear a full cage in Men's league. When your own face is exposed you start paying a lot more attention to where your stick is. A far as I can tell it isn't the guys who have played forever that wear cages that you have to worry about, it's the guy that isn't very good/picked the game up later in life/ or has never played a real full contact game and just doesn't know what it's all about.

[zebra_steve 11]

You know what, I AM a referee, and I believe in playing by the rules...AND I'm a coach that believes in playing by the rules and teaches players to respect their opponent, AND I KNOW THROUGH EXPERIENCE that you CAN play this game and keep your stick (and hands and elbows) where it belongs - but you have to be aware of the situations where being careless with your stick might mean someone getting clipped.... not much different from not putting yourself in a position to get taken into the boards face first, or TAKING someone into the boards face first.....

As for how the game is played.... That's because we've allowed it to happen... as the equipment became more protective we became more and more aggressive, and careless with our hands, elbows, sticks.....

This thread has morphed from "Why do guys with half shields get mad".... to trying to convince us that we should wear a cage instead of holding people responsible for their actions and ignorance..... That question has been answered....

So... let's take on the next question..... No matter whether we have a cage or a shield we have too many players that are too aggressive with their sticks or just plain don't have a clue on how to control them. I started a new thread for it so we can beat a fresh horse...Why can't\won't you control your stick?

........ A far as I can tell it isn't the guys who have played forever that wear cages that you have to worry about, it's the guy that isn't very good/picked the game up later in life/ or has never played a real full contact game and just doesn't know what it's all about.

So let's hold him responsible for his actions and teach him how to keep it down. Yeah, his skills may be an issue, but brand new mites and mini mites can keep them down so an adult should be able to....

[BarDownGinos 3]

Agree 100%. People need to be responsible for themselves instead of expecting everyone else to change to suit them.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

As far as sticks never coming past the waistline, have you ever watched an NHL game? Christ, 99% of their stick work would be called as penalties in my beer league. I know they're obviously different, but hockey is a physical contact sport, even in a non-hitting league.

Hockey is a game where players swing sticks around. That is the game. Ideally, they keep them down, but how can a reasonable person not realize that due to the nature of the game, those sticks are going to come up?

But they're getting PAID to play that's the risk they take make that money. When you play tackle football with some friends in the yard, you don't see your buddy lining up a fellow friend coming across the middle and tackle him directly in the ribs. you don't see BeerLeaguers diving headfirst to block shots with their forehead ala Laperriere either. There's a reason our arms extend 2 ft past our heads, to reach for objects. Don't be stupid and use your stick to swat it down. That's my rant on that sticks really shouldn't come past the waist during normal play and no higher than the tip of the blade to your chest on a slapshot.

[tareatingrat 4]

How is it possible that you guys don't understand that the majority of the times that it happens, it happens because of an accident?

What isn't getting through?

You can have a league full of people who have played the proper way, being taught to keep the sticks down since before the left the womb, and IT WILL STILL HAPPEN.

What doesn't make sense about that?

I'm not even arguing the point that I don't like it either. I'm completely with you on that.

But you can't prevent an accident from happening 100% of the time. You just can't, no matter how you try to teach and coach. You can remind someone as many times as you need to, but eventually that stick is going to come up.

I'm not saying that you have to change to suit everybody else, but KNOWING that accidents happen, why wouldn't you try to protect yourself?

Once again, I agree completely that people need to keep their sticks down. But I would be very surprised if anyone who has ever played hockey has not accidentally high-sticked someone. I totally believe that people should be held accountable for their own actions. Give 'em hell and give 'em a penalty, that's fine. But if you choose not to wear a cage, simply by playing the game of hockey you are partially responsible for any injury that results from high sticking, or errant pucks if you're not wearing adequate protection. If you choose to assume more risk, then I don't think you have a right to complain about the consequences.

Teach the rules and proper play all you want, but you're never going to prevent accidents from happening, but you can prevent many of those injuries. I have trouble believing anyone here is that naive.

[BarDownGinos 3]

You're missing the point. So you've either never played without a cage or are struggling to see EVERYONE ELSE'S point.

[tareatingrat 4]

Please explain what I'm missing, then, instead of being vague.

Everybody else's point: I shouldn't have to wear extra protection that I don't like, because everybody should keep their stick down, and that in some cases protective equipment won't help against someone who is reckless. Everybody should play the game with respect and be more careful.

My point: No matter what you say or hope for, it's not going to happen, SO WHY NOT wear equipment that will minimize the chance that you could be injured? And if you choose not to, then you don't really have a right to complain. Why not just leave your car and house doors unlocked. I mean, people shouldn't break into your car or house, right? Just like they shouldn't put their sticks above waist level.

And yes, I've played without a cage. I played ball hockey for many years without a cage or helmet and almost lost an eye when I got high sticked. Glanced off of my orbital bone. When I started with ice I had a visor, and once again, almost lost an eye when a stick got trapped underneath.

But I can't blame either of those incidents on reckless play, it was simply an accident and a part of playing the game. Insofar as the original point of this thread, I didn't get mad at the person who hit me, because both times it was simply a hockey play that went wrong, and as a reasonable person, I should expect that something like that might happen when I step on the ice. I finally decided that it was kind of ridiculous not to wear a cage, because there really is no valid argument against protecting yourself more.

But, please, enlighten me on what I'm missing.

[Chadd 916]

My point: No matter what you say or hope for, it's not going to happen, SO WHY NOT wear equipment that will minimize the chance that you could be injured? And if you choose not to, then you don't really have a right to complain. Why not just leave your car and house doors unlocked. I mean, people shouldn't break into your car or house, right? Just like they shouldn't put their sticks above waist level.

I leave my doors unlocked frequently. I bought a house in a nice area and there hasn't been a problem for anyone in the neighborhood for much longer than I've lived here. That said, I think your analogy is incorrect.

I wear a visor, akin to locking the doors. A determined thief is still going to get in. Bars on the windows and doors and installing an alarm system would be more like wearing a cage.

[zebra_steve 11]

We've already established that we all accept that "accidents" happen.......

How about accepting the fact that we ALL have the right to complain about the reckless play.... and quit trying to tell us what is good for us.......

Yeah, you played without a cage and paid the price.... so have I.... Big deal... the difference is that I'm saying everyone can make the decision whether to wear a visor or a cage I'm not advising one way or the other. You are basically demeaning our personal decision not to wear as much protection as YOU think is prudent.....

Sorry it's a free country - sort of, for now - so don't demean me or anyone else for our decision because it's not what you would do.... If I get clipped with an accidental high stick or a puck, then you can tell me, "sucks to be you, shoulda wore a cage." I'll accept that.... but when some yahoo is being too aggressive or reckless and clips me - or anyone else (even you and your cage) - then I have every right to be pissed and bitch about it because their irresponsible and illegal action directly affected someone besides themselves. And if there still was "a code" in hockey like there used to be, I'd grab him and show him the error in his ways. But alas, we've strayed - as a society - away from personal responsibility for our decisions and actions. We vilify, blame, and ban objects instead of holding people responsible for the misuse of those objects.

[eric42434224 1]

Agree 100%. People need to be responsible for themselves instead of expecting everyone else to change to suit them.

Interesting post in that it works for both points of view here in this discussion.

You seem to think that people should be responsible for themselves and keep their sticks down, so you dont have to change your behavoir in not wearing a cage.

Yet your statement also supports the other view. People should be responsible for themselves and wear proper protection, and not rely on other people changing their behavoir like keeping sticks down.

Should people keep their sticks down? Yes. But the likelyhood of that happening is the same as Martha Stewart sleeping on dirty sheets. You 100% have the right to hear little or no facial protection. But if you get hurt, you must share the blame.

[tareatingrat 4]

I leave my doors unlocked frequently. I bought a house in a nice area and there hasn't been a problem for anyone in the neighborhood for much longer than I've lived here. That said, I think your analogy is incorrect.

I wear a visor, akin to locking the doors. A determined thief is still going to get in. Bars on the windows and doors and installing an alarm system would be more like wearing a cage.

My point was that just because people shouldn't do something, doesn't mean it's not going to happen, that's all. Sticks shouldn't come up, people shouldn't break into houses, but it happens.

We could debate the technicalities of my analogy, but, really?

How about accepting the fact that we ALL have the right to complain about the reckless play.... and quit trying to tell us what is good for us.......

You know wearing a cage would help prevent some injuries. I'm asking why you won't wear additional protection if you know that? You haven't provided a valid argument for not wearing additional protection yet.

I could not care less about your personal choice, but just be honest about the fact that you don't like wearing a cage, and then accept the responsibility that comes with not wearing one. Complain about the high stick, but don't complain about the injury. I mean, it's one thing if somebody slams you from behind into the boards. That's reckless and you can't really prevent that injury by being proactive. I'm talking about a simple $30 piece of steel saving your face.

Sorry it's a free country - sort of, for now - so don't demean me or anyone else for our decision because it's not what you would do.... If I get clipped with an accidental high stick or a puck, then you can tell me, "sucks to be you, shoulda wore a cage." I'll accept that....

Okay. That's all I'm getting at.

And I don't think I've talked down to you about your choice, but we're having a debate in which you really don't have much of an argument. I'm trying to understand your point of view, and really, all it's coming down to is that you don't want to wear one. Fine, but let's leave all the other BS out of it and call it for what it is--you're personal choice to not wear a cage, in which case you have to deal with what happens without that cage and not pass the blame buck around.

...but when some yahoo is being too aggressive or reckless and clips me - or anyone else (even you and your cage) - then I have every right to be pissed and bitch about it because their irresponsible and illegal action directly affected someone besides themselves.

Agreed. But in reality, how many people are out there being reckless and irresponsible? Maybe I'm just lucky and haven't had much experience with the worst side of hockey (although I've played in some pretty shady leagues), but I also think that in most circumstances, you have to give people the benefit of the doubt in that they didn't intend to hurt you. I play in the bottom division. I know my opponents (hell, my own damn teammates have caused me more grief), and the reality is that things are going to happen that are out of my control.

And if there still was "a code" in hockey like there used to be, I'd grab him and show him the error in his ways. But alas, we've strayed - as a society - away from personal responsibility for our decisions and actions.

Hey, if somebody is being an ass, I have no problem with that. In fact, I'm all for it. But I've seen guys go nuts over an accident, and I'm not sure that's the best way to handle things all the time.

As far as personal responsibility goes, again, I agree with you that people should be held accountable. Therefore, if a stick goes up, a penalty gets called. That's them being held accountable in the sport. Nothing is going to stop somebody who's out for blood from swinging their stick, and nothing is going to stop the first time player from falling backwards and flailing his stick around accidentally, though. So on the flip side, I do believe that personal responsibility also includes keeping yourself safe and minimizing risk in unavoidable situations, and then not placing blame for what could have been prevented.