As the Hockey Players Association, we feel that it is ridiculous to think about prosecuting violent players with felony charges. When hockey players set foot on the ice, the laws that apply on the street, like weapon assault, should not apply. Hockey is a physical sport, probably the most physical and violent one there is, and the players are well aware of the risks they are taking by competing. The circumstances of playing hockey are well known to all of those that choose to participate and compete.
Every sport has a certain association of risk that goes along with it.
Things such as bicycle racing to baseball, even crossing the street involves risk of getting injured. It is all focused on the player's choice and the risks they are willing to take by playing the sport of hockey. In the NHL, when the stakes are higher than in college or junior league hockey, the players should definitely be allowed to make their own calls about the protective equipment they wear. However, if they were smart, they would choose to wear proper protection even though it isn't required by the organization. The current level of violence in hockey may in fact be a little on the extreme end.