The facts may point towards non-violence in hockey but it still seems to retain its appeal. There are a high percentage of fans which prefer violence in hockey, and even those who watch hockey purely for the violence. The bottom line is that violence makes for profitable entertainment so it is on the rise. Violence on the ice also brings about the macho appeal which a lot of the players would like to be associated with. Many researchers say that this association stems from little league, where studies show that parents and coaches allow violence.
Some people say the worst is yet to come and some people say the sport used to be rougher.
Five of the longest suspensions have been handed out since 1993, and the penalties are only getting rougher. And, more equipment is mandatory as opposed to the helmet optional policy of the eighties. This shows how officials keep a closer eye on the game and require more protective gear because of rougher conditions. Despite the wide belief that the more aggressive and violent team wins, the exact opposite is true. A more recent study, conducted by Dr. Walker, violence prevention specialist for Texas' juvenile corrections agency, shows the same results as the A.P.A. study.