Why do hockey players fight with helmets on?

Hockey fights often occur with helmets on for several reasons:

Safety: While fighting is penalized in hockey, it is still a part of the sport. Allowing players to keep their helmets on during fights helps protect their heads from direct blows, reducing the risk of head injuries. Removing helmets could potentially lead to more serious injuries, including concussions or head trauma.

Hand Protection: Hockey players wear gloves with reinforced padding to protect their hands during fights. Keeping helmets on provides an additional layer of protection for the players' heads, ensuring that punches have less impact and are less likely to cause injury.

Fighting Rules: The rules and regulations of hockey fights often require players to keep their helmets on. Removing helmets during a fight can result in additional penalties, such as a game misconduct or an automatic suspension, depending on the league or governing body.

Deterrent Effect: Helmets act as a deterrent to fighting in some cases. Knowing that both participants will be wearing helmets, players may be less inclined to engage in a fight due to the reduced likelihood of causing serious harm.

Tradition: Fighting has been a part of hockey culture for many years, and the tradition of keeping helmets on during fights has persisted. While there have been discussions about modifying the rules to minimize fighting in the sport, it remains a contentious issue among fans, players, and league officials.

It's important to note that while fighting is a part of hockey, it is not the primary focus of the sport, and it is generally penalized. Many leagues and organizations have taken steps to reduce fighting in recent years in an effort to prioritize player safety. Additionally, the attitudes toward fighting in hockey have evolved, and some advocates for the sport argue that it should be further limited or eliminated altogether to reduce the risk of injuries and promote a safer and more skill-focused game.