Longtime NHL Enforcer Unexpectedly Denounces Fighting in Hockey
Mark Borowiecki was once one of the NHL's most prominent enforcers, but long after retirement, he's now condemned fighting in the league.
Fighting has always been a huge part of the National Hockey League, and while it's not as prevalent as it once was, fans still love to see some of the tougher players in the league dropping the gloves.
Unfortunately however, for those players that once made this their entire identity, things may have changed since departing the league for retirement, with no better example than former Ottawa Senator and Nashville Predators Mark Borowiecki.
Borowiecki condemns fighting in the National Hockey League
Borowiecki retired back in 2022/23 after playing 453 games in the NHL between 2011 and 2023, known mostly for his fighting and his physical play over the decade he spent in the league.
In a recent interview, 'Boro' opened up on his time in the NHL, and while he survived by fighting, he notes that it's something he's not ever going to want to teach his sons and the players of the future.
I look at it from a different lens now, which maybe is wrong of me. For me, it was a way to survive in the league and make a name for myself. If I was coaching my son, I'd be focused on competing, playing hard, playing with some passion and emotion - and whatever results, results.
I'm not going to encourage him to go fight. Maybe that's your answer there. If that's the way I'm going to approach it with my son, I'm not going to push other kids to. I don't really have much desire to see 17-year-old kids hitting each other. It doesn't do it for me in the junior level.
I'm not going to encourage him to go fight. Maybe that's your answer there. If that's the way I'm going to approach it with my son, I'm not going to push other kids to. I don't really have much desire to see 17-year-old kids hitting each other. It doesn't do it for me in the junior level.
This all comes despite Borowiecki being seen on tape this year showing top NHL prospects some fighting tips, so while he's not going to teach it at a young level and condemns fighting in some ways, in others, it's a strength of his as he is able to pass on wisdom to players about to enter the NHL.
Ultimately, there's good and bad that comes with fighting, as it allows some players to gain an advantage with their physicality, and while Boro may not want to teach the youth about fighting, it appears as though it's here to stay in the NHL, for now anyway.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
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