Some of your CalgaryFlames.net bloggers are a little obsessive about hockey, especially come playoff time. Of course, if you frequent this site, you’re probably of the same persuasion, so you can relate well to our passion. Have you ever thought of those who don’t share in the joy of hockey but still must endure those of us who do? Most of us are reminded frequently of our obsessive behaviour by our wives, but even our wives don’t have to put up with seven hours of game analysis on a daily basis. Enter our friend, Michael, who is in the vast minority at our workplace in not being a hockey fan. Michael laments the playoff obsession in a clever commentary over on his blog (yep, that’s me supporting the local Hurricanes in the photo).

Michael’s comments cause me to reflect on life in our office as a non-fan. Michael, I’ll try to take it down a notch or two, channeling more to the blogs and less public chat with my fellow fans. Just for you.

No promises, though. This is playoff season, after all.

In the wake of Jonathon Roy’s suspension, Bob McKenzie has summed up my thoughts exactly on fighting in hockey.

Coming from someone who’s played the game at a competitive level and always in leagues where fighting is banned, let me tell you, you will never be able to keep fighting entirely out of the game. Game misconducts and certainty of suspension doesn’t dissuade 16 year olds from getting involved in a scrap when the game gets emotional. I’ve been a player in those fights, and I’ve been a linesman trying to break up those line brawls.

Roy committed a straight-up dumb attack on an unwilling opponent. He was suspended. The circle of life continues. And don’t think the Sagueneens will forget; this rivalry has more fighting to come, whether the Q tries to ban it or not.

For me the litmus test regarding fighting in hockey is this: Do fans cheer when a fight breaks out? We all know the answer is a resounding "yes". It’s emotional and it’s entertaining. Let the willing combatants duke it out, and suspend players for attacks and showboating like Roy.