I don't like that hit.
Every time one of those happens, there are some around here that proclaim that it's a good hit and it was a good hit back in the day when they played, etc, etc, etc.
Times have changed and with all we now know about head contact, the sport should adapt.
I'd be okay if those open ice blow up hits were legislated out of the game completely. Doesn't really matter whether the head is targeted with the hit or not as often the most damaging aspect of the play is when the victim's head slams off the ice. That can (and does) happen even when the check is otherwise "legal."
In the end, there's really no hockey reason to hit a player that hard in open ice. Separating the man from the puck doesn't require that amount of force. It's excessive and only seeks to satisfy the bloodlust of the most meatheaded fans. When a player doesn't see you coming, a poke check or even a bump will work 90% (or more) of the time.
There's no reason that a college kid (or high school on down) should have to spend a week in a dark room or risk a more severe brain injury so that some morons in the stands can get their fix. It's simply a bad play no matter how "cool" it looks or how it was legal back in the day.
These are actual humans out there and somebody's kid with real lives and real futures.
My solution? Institute a targeting penalty (5 plus game DQ) similar to targeting a defenseless football receiver. Essentially if you skate into a guy in open ice from his blindside and destroy him, you're gone.
Okay, cue the "you're pussifying the game rabble" or the referees can't make that decision in real time crowd.
Yes they can and the simple threat of those consequences would most likely eliminate the hits altogether.
Loss is a loss man.
