Jan 11 2009
Keep Fighting In Hockey for Zack Stortini
Fighting in hockey has been much-ado in the media over the last couple of weeks. The Don Sanderson tragedy has been at the center of many of these conversations, and that incident warrants some specific attention with regards to fighting below the professional level. Really, is there any point to having fighting allowed in a league whose participants stand a puncher’s chance (pun intended) at making an NHL roster? I stand with those that call for a ban on fighting in hockey, but only below the professional and minor-pro (AHL only, none of that ECHL shit) level.
A total ban on hockey fights would cause guys like Zack Stortini to lose their job. And job-loss is something we’re all trying to avoid these days. Stortini unfortunately suffers from big-man syndrome. His 6′4″ 215-pound frame forces him to play the role of punching-bag on a nightly basis.
Stortini is tied for second in the NHL in Fighting Majors on the season with 13 (so is Riley Cote). According to nhlnumbers.com, Zack will make a cool $600,000 this season. If you take hockeyfights.com as gospel, and you certainly should considering all their hard work, then Stortini holds a Barry Horowitz -like 1-5-7 record when chucking fists this year.
Stortini has 3 points in 28 games this season and 111 PIM, and his teammates are going to miss him. Stortini was placed on the IR by the Oilers following Friday night’s loss to San Jose.
Until Zack is healthy enough to take to the ice for a few knocks on the noggin, I’ll leave you with this (one of his finer performances on the season):
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D.H.T.
I live in Edmonton, and yes, it’s sad that Stortini is the Oilers’ tough guy. Way to work in a nice wrestling reference with Barry Horowitz.
The Oil need Zack back though. Can’t keep relying on Souray to fight for the skill players when he is one of them.
-RW
Stortini is not entirely unskilled, and he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves with anyone. As a fan of the Oilers, yes I do wish they still had someone like George Laraque (preferably George Laraque himself) to handle the rough stuff.
The article was Harlan’s (excuse me, “Dr.” Harlan’s) attempt at a humorous piece, but I really do for one support the role of a punching-bag on a roster. Stortini might not win many, but he doesn’t make it easy for goons to take shots at his more highly skilled teammates.
He’ll be missed.
Nevermind Lewis, he’s a prick… My piece was humorous and Stortini is a terrible fighter. Lewis is still sour that the Leafs traded Courtnall way back in the day.
dht