Response To Raffi Cavoukian's 'Smart Hockey'

Smart hockey is the new hockey! This is what Raffi Cavoukian would have society believe and what he believes. Mr. Cavoukian argues his thoughts to an expert level in his blog. He does this by using clarity in his ideas, proving these ideas through evidence, and making all assumptions known. What is smart hockey? You may be asking yourself this very question; Cavoukian uses two outstanding points to show society what ‘smart hockey’ is and why he thinks it should be the new hockey.
Violence can be defined as rough or injurious physical force, action or treatment. Cavoukian clearly portrays that violence is one of the main causes of his want to change hockey. He shows this by using examples of violence in hockey such as body checks. This

is a topic that Cavoukian does not stray from, all statements made in his blog, refer to some sort of violence. Moreover he portrays that hockey should be limited to only unavoidable accidents. This may include violence caused by pucks, sticks, or falls. Although these facts could very well lead society to agree with Cavoukian, the want to change hockey to ‘smart hockey’ may cause an uproar in society. Hockey that emphasizes skill, grace and sportsmanship is the definition of ‘smart hockey’, devoid of violence of all types. This could cause many hockey fans to stop watching hockey, as a lot of viewers enjoy violent entertainment. All facts and opinions aside you may find yourself asking yourself where is the proof? Cavoukian uses evidence to prove all of his thoughts, this adds character his argument.
In proof of the amount of violence in hockey, and how it does affect the aspect and viewing of hockey itself, Cavoukian speaks of Sidney Crosby. This NHL hockey player was out caused by a concussion for an extended period of time, not to return to the game any time soon. This is substantial proof as is allows readers to connect with the argument, as the Sidney Crosby took a big toll on many hockey fans. He also speaks of the death of four NHL players who were hired to be goons (to fight) within one year. Great pieces of evidence to add meaning to his point on violence, leading society wondering how Cavoukian will prove his ‘smart hockey’ idea. Cavoukian believes that the most relevant problem society may have on this, is that no violence in hockey would cause a large number of fans to stop watching. He attempts to prove that ‘smart hockey’ will be able to survive by mentioning that there are also a large number of people who do not watch solely because of the violence. Therefore ‘smart hockey’ may gain those members of society as fans. These fans may also agree with what Cavoukian mentions about Ken Dryden, this man is said to urge that the absence of violence will not lessen the drive to win. Cavoukian could have done a much better job providing proof of how this hockey idea would pull through. Although this is true, he benefits from using his own assumptions to persuade more fans towards his idea.
Assuming hockey fans enjoy the violent aspect of hockey, this argument may be hard to agree with.

Cavoukian uses his very own assumptions to add depth to his argument. This shows passion and confidence in thoughts. He must assume that violence does not equal hockey and hockey doesn’t equal violence. Speaking of how hockey can be enjoyed as a skillful sport only, removing all forms of violence in the game. This man must assume that hockey establishes the same meaning with or without violence. Technically this makes a lot of sense as without skill hockey would not be entertaining at all, my problem with this statement is that, it does also take a certain degree of skill to be able to perform these violent acts while on skates, and playing hockey, obeying the basic rules. On many occasions these violent events are not justifies, causing a domino affect of events. This can be explained by the assumption that a portion of the violence in hockey is caused by the referees not calling all infractions. Integrity in a sport is what all teams strive for; Cavoukian believes this can happen if the referees make all calls properly. By the rulebook, opposed to calling things that shouldn’t be called, or missing obvious infractions. He tells of how hockey has already starting changing and how is can change again, the NHL already put there foots down in regard to hooking and grabbing. This gives hope to society that change may happen, great addition to the

argument.
Through the reading of Raffi Cavoukian’s blog I have complete understanding of what his argument is, and through the use of evidence and examples Cavoukian provides depth to his argument. Moreover he uses his own beliefs and values interjected into the blog to add a level of connection between him and the reader. Cavoukian mainly argues that he believes hockey should be more like Canada peacemakers, stop the unnecessary violence in hockey. Change hockey to ‘smart hockey’! He successfully provides facts/evidence to allow society to understand and believe his argument. I would recommend this article to any hockey fan, giving a different insight on the meaning of hockey.