NHL Headshots: More finger pointing

The NHL, NHLPA, players, coaches, agents, and GMs are all strongly opposed to blatant headshots in the NHL and no one can really disagree with that. When situations like Matt Cooke and his repeated cheap shots are front and center everyone points to the NHL as the sole provider of disciplinary action. And while they are the body that hands down suspensions and fines I think there needs to be more address at the source.

Why is it so easy for everyone to only focus on the disciplinary action taken by Colin Campbell, and how fair it is in their personal opinion. Shouldn’t some of the blame be placed on his peers and coaches/owners? If the players, teammates, coaches, owners are truly fed up with repeat offenders why not have internal discussions and punishments to help regulate what is ruining the game? Are these cheap actions how you’d want your team defined and viewed? Everyone loves the fast pace and hard-hitting of the game. And as a whole hockey has a lot of issues it needs to solve. But play that borderlines on criminal activity should not be glanced over by an individual organization regardless of the NHL’s ruling.

It seems as if in the most recent Cooke hit Dan Bylsma has talked with the player and told him he needs to change his game if he wants to keep playing. And not being even remotely involved in the organization I don’t know what Dan Bylsma ”really” did but I belive he has sent a message. He seems like a class coach and the Pens seem like a solid organization. So on that level I applaud the Pens organization if they really do want to get tough on such an ugly situation. And I do believe that a message can be sent to Cooke to try to change his ways. I hope he does and can still play aggressive without being cheap.

But I don’t think it is fair that everyone place this issue solely on the shoulders of the NHL and Colin Campbell. The players and NHLPA should be protecting their own by sending out strong messages and putting in place actions for violations. And if all else fails owners should think of stepping up and handing down punishment for not representing clubs in a professional manner. I don’t think this is too far off base and can set up a system of checks and balances that send a message that teammates, friends, and coaches do not want the kind of stupidity on the ice that is sometimes displayed.

I would love for people closer to the game to comment on this. I could be way off base or this could be happening and the general public not be aware if the discussions. But I have to think that within organizations more could be done on the level that players respect and rely upon.