The sport has declined since the enforcer Red Wings have all retired; consequently, when fighting on the further decline, since blood is involved, the sport isnt entertaining. As fewer people are watching hockey, as a whole
That has to really suck for those old school enforcers and goons to be made useless and loose their jobs. One of the Leafs enforcers Wade Belak killed himself, I am assuming it was related to his losing his job. The league wants to move things in a more skilled non violent direction.
Look at these old school bench clearing brawls:
Canada vs U.S.S.R 1987 Bench clearing brawl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7JZxKe2n2gQuebec Nordiques Montreal Canadiens bench clearing brawl part1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU89VzMeWyM
