More fixing reaction - The Fans Speak Out

Hockey Digest, May, 2002

I was just reading the numerous responses to Jeffrey Ryan's article on "Ten Ways to Fix the NHL" in the April issue and I was just thinking to myself, what does the look of a team's jersey have to do with fixing or making the NHL better? The jersey does nothing to harm or improve the game.

Kevin Berube
North Andover, Mass.

I was shocked to read that in the 10 ways to fix the NHL article you advocated making helmets optional. I am a hardcore Red Wings fan and I hate seeing a player getting hurt due to a injury. Several years ago, my favorite player, Steve Yzerman, was hit in the head by a flying slapshot and was out for several games. Things like that happen too often, and to me it's not worth the risk for greater recognition. Also you mentioned getting rid of overtime. Nothing is more annoying than going to a game and seeing your favorite team play to a tie. Getting rid of overtime defeats the point of playing to see who is the better team.

Chris Lucchesi
Henryville, Ind.

I think that someone there must have lost their head because they weren't wearing a helmet. Make helmets optional? Everyone is trying to teach younger generations about wearing helmets and how they are so important. The NHL has a huge influence on young hockey stars. If they get away without wearing a helmet, then pretty soon we won't have an NHL because all the top players will all be on the injured list. It's one thing to start hitting harder and harder each game, but to lose the helmet rule? That's pathetic. As far as I'm concerned, I'm all for ones with the face masks being mandatory.

Danielle M.
Via e-mail