Quebec wants an end to the fights in major junior hockey

The Legault government calls for an end to fighting in junior hockey, while the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will rule on this controversial issue on Thursday.

“We are there, as a society. This is no longer tolerable as a behavior, “launched the Minister for Sport, Isabelle Charest, during a press fray leaving the Caucus caucus on Wednesday.

His main argument: the health and safety of hockey players, jeopardized by this “archaic” practice. “I have mentioned several times my desire to ensure that young people evolve in a healthy environment. It involves prohibiting or sanctioning battles, “she said. “Everyone is aware of the danger of fights and violent behavior in the context of sport,” she added.

The minister, a former speed skater and Olympic medalist, “does not understand the need to fight”. “It has never been an avenue for me to fight. I do not see how you have to let off steam and show your leadership by fighting, ”she said.

If the QMJHL makes this decision, it will become the first junior hockey league in Canada to ban a fight.

Charest believes the probationary arguments – they draw crowds to arenas and prepare players for the rough game of the National Hockey League – don’t hold water. “The other players in the world are prepared for the NHL without fighting,” said the minister.

As for the popularity of the sport, she believes that people want to see great goals, not slaps on the face. “The sport is counting goals, foiling, and playing a game. Fighting for me isn’t one of them. We still have this mentality that people are the spectacle they love. In the NHL there are fewer and fewer [des batailles] and no one is complaining about it, “she said.

She even believes that this decision could renew the public, by seeking a clientele that is not interested in people who “fight in the stands or who cry” for example. “We want to attract women to watch sport, it’s an important clientele. As a spectator, there is no point in watching battles. If we want to see people fighting, we will listen to boxing, “said the minister.