Why is fighting allowed in hockey?

North Americans, especially in the United States, love a good dopamine rush. Whether it's going on the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland or going to a concert, average people are constantly seeking a thrill in their lives. That's certainly the case with hockey, which has plenty of exciting moments on its own.

That includes fighting, which offers fans an intense brawl between two adversaries. One person doesn't like what the other's doing to their teammates, That person drops the gloves and the two players engage in a stand-off. Then, it plays like a WWE match, with both sides locking in. After that, the fists start flying. It's like a theatrical play with a protagonist and an antagonist, scrapping for justice for their teammates. Imagine if someone hurt Brett Howden and Keegan Kolesar didn't like it. That's what would lead to this happening.

Now, some people want the art form banned. They cite it as being dangerous and harmful to the game. Perhaps they like avocado toast and sipping their tea. But there are good reasons why this concept should be allowed. No, it isn't only because it's fun and exciting to see two people beat each other up. Here are some reasons why fighting is allowed in hockey, specifically the NHL.

Why is fighting allowed (and an example with Ryan Reaves)

Back in the day, Ryan Reaves was the enforcer for the Vegas Golden Knights. He held his opponents accountable, going after anybody who attacked his teammates. If they laid them out with a dangerous hit, there was Reaves, ready to throw down with his foe. But there are times when the player itself gets antagonized to this point.

Evander Kane's been known to be a pest during his NHL career. He can annoy players (and fans) with his antics, going after opponents for no reason. During a Stanley Cup Playoffs game, he antagonized Reaves, who simply wasn't having it.

The Vegas Golden Knights brawler did what he does best: Fight his adversary and beat him to a pulp as if he didn't adjust his watering schedule. Reaves brought an edge to the team, holding his opponents accountable and policing those who acted out of line. Those are part of why fighting is allowed in the game of hockey. It keeps misbehaving players like Kane from instigating too much. Otherwise, there will be a Reaves-type player waiting.

Now, Keegan Kolesar was supposed to jump into this role after Reaves was gone. However, he's grown into a checking expert, laying out opponents whenever they cross him. It's part of the game's slow evolution towards being a skill-based competition, with brain injuries becoming a growing concern. Still, nothing boosts team morale like someone dropping the gloves.