>>>I would also say that many that go to a hockey game don't go to see hockey.
>>
>>That may particularly true in Dallas because it is a bit of a social event. However, when the Stars signed Brett Hull, this sent tingles down the spine of most Stars fans. Contrast that to the ho-hum signing of Brent Sevryn (enforcer) during the off-season after Marchment took out Niewendyke in the first round of the 1998 playoffs. Skill and the allowed displaying of said skill will outsell goonism any day.
>>
>>As a season ticket holder, I want to see Modano skate instead of being hooked at, dragged down, etc., all the time
>
>I think the fans want it both ways. They want to see the dazzling skills and they want to see the bone crushing checks. It's difficult to mix the two in hockey, isn't it?

Most checking is legal and part of the game. However, it should be the same principal as in football (USA version, NFL). If you check from behind (blindsiding), it is a penalty. If the ref determines the intent was to injure, game misconduct, ejection, and someone servers in the penalty box just as they would for a 5 minute major - score at will.