>>>What I would like to see is how hockey was meant to be played.
>>>
>>>The only hockey I know is the NHL version. Even hockey played in the Olympics is quite physical with only difference being the size of the rink. What is hockey in it's purest form?
>>
>>It's purest form was what we saw before BIG MONEY got in. In those days players played it because they loved the sport. And in the process they respected the other players.
>>
>>Try to find a DVD (if such a thing exists) of what is probably one of the best hockey games ever. Russia against Montreal Canadians. 1974 or 1975
>>
>>But even that is not enough to really appreciate the game. But generally I'd say that most of the series in the 1970s are what Hockey should be all about. Series where the New-York Islanders were involved (Mike Bossy), Montreal Canadians (Guy Lafleur) and Edmonton Oilers (Mayne Gretzky). I only mentioned one player for each team but in those days there were many good players per team. It's not like what we see right now. Sometimes a team does'nt have real key player.
>>
>>I mentioned those teams because the were knows as dynasties. It's the sequence of the Stanley Cup won that made those teams so special
>>
>>So if you're lucky enough to see some of those games you'll see what we're really missing in hockey.
>
>
>Thanks. I'll see if I can find them. I'm sure my local Block Buster has some classic sporting events.
>
>Was hockey meant to be play with as much physical "violence" that we see/saw in the NHL today?

NO! Stick were kept on/near the ice, not arond everyone's head or poking people or hooking the blade in their equipment to slow them down.

Hockey has always had checking - of the guy with the puck - and some of it was very 'violent' in terms of big crashes and some injuries.

Hockey used to have quick whistles when the puck was on the boards and players were kicking/poking away to get it. Now it's another excuse for more crap.

Hockey was made to be played FAST/smoothly/silkily with occasional violence happening with the player carrying the puck.

It's a shame that what we have today is even called "hockey". Today it's basically uncontrolled violence with lots of whistles and very little skating!

If you can get a hold of the 1975 (I think) game between USSR and Montreal New Years Eve you will see how hockey was meant to be played and you will feel deep sorrow at what passes for "hockey" today.

cheers