ECHL Brings in Big Changes Meant to Curb Fighting

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TJ Tucker
July 6, 2023 (3:49 PM)

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Another big sign of the times when it comes to fighting in hockey. A few months ago, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League brought in new rules in an attempt to cut down on fighting and the injuries that inevitably come with it. Now, and pro league is getting in on the action.

The ECHL, which serves as an affiliate league to the AHL and NHL, has brought in new for 2023-24 meant to curb the number of fights taking place before, during, and right after faceoffs.

"Rule change for next season: Any player or players who enter into a fight prior to, at the drop of the puck, or immediately following any face-off during the game, will incur an automatic game misconduct penalty in addition to any other penalties assessed." - ECHL

The ECHL had previously implemented a rule that states two fights in one game is an automatic misconduct. It can be waived for a player if it's determined his opponent was the instigator.

While a junior league like the QMJHL looking to cut down on fighting isn't really a surprise, the ECHL doing so is. For those unfamiliar with the league, The ECHL is a rough league, and guys who play there who go on to the NHL usually do so using their fists rather than offensive or defensive abilities. Faceoff fights are not rare in the ECHL, but it seems the league wants to make them that way. Will the NHL eventually follow suit? It remains to be seen. Fighting in the NHL is already way down from what it was from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, but I'm not certain the league wants to completely remove what makes the game exciting for many fans, unless it's determined it absolutely has to for liability reasons.