Since its inception, hockey has been intertwined with the concept of fighting. A release for heightened emotions, fights often act as a reset button when the game goes awry. However, this choice isn't free from risks, and those who engage in it understand the hazards involved.
When players opt to engage in fisticuffs, the onus falls on the linesmen to exercise utmost care in ensuring the safety of those involved. Unfortunately, a recent incident serves as a reminder of what officials should strive to avoid.
As the two players gear up for a tussle, a linesman makes a questionable choice. Instead of maneuvering around the combatants, the linesman decides to step directly between them. This ill-fated move leaves one player vulnerable to an incoming right hook. As he advances, he's met with a direct blow to the face, resulting in a forceful fall to the ice.
The player in question crashes down onto the ice, prompting swift medical attention. He's subsequently carried away on a stretcher. This incident stands as a stark reminder of the pivotal role that positioning plays for officials and the significant impact their decisions can have on the players they're tasked with safeguarding.
