It's a controversial issue in today's NHL. The extinction of the enforcer is growing closer in hockey, and many believe that fighting for the sake of fighting doesn't have a place in a game becoming more and more dependent on speed and skill.
Despite that growing trend, hockey is a physical sport at its core and will likely always be defined with that distinction. But the game is becoming more about picking the RIGHT time and place to be a physical presence instead of head hunting every time someone climb over the boards.
Cody Bass realizes the difference as he battles for a roster spot with the season opener just a week away.