It happens at every level of hockey, but it's the pros that cause the most damage to the sport. When college hockey compelled the wearing of masks, play changed. High sticks and boarding became more common, since players took less damage. Since then, college hockey has become rougher. I suspect that helmets being forced on the NHL had a similar effect.
American rinks are generally smaller than both Canadian and European rinks.
You didn't want to go into those corners with Gordie Howe, or Derek Sanderson, or many other tough guys. Playing on a big sheet changes everything. You can't hit what you can't catch. Big sheets reward skaters. Guy LaFleur made quite a living skating rings around goons and lesser players.