Talking About "The Code" and Unwritten Rules in Hockey

The Hockey Guy
12 Feb 202423:38
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, the speaker discusses unwritten rules in hockey, particularly in the NHL, while sporting gear from the Anaheim Ducks and Duck Stream. He highlights various aspects of these rules, such as fighting etiquette, not hitting opponents while they’re down, and respecting the goalie. The speaker also touches on traditional behaviors like not crossing the red line during warm-ups and avoiding showboating. He reflects on the evolution of these rules and their impact on the game, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on additional unwritten rules.

Takeaways
  • πŸ˜€ The speaker has a new look for the video, wearing an Anaheim Ducks shirt and hat, and a '2-minute penalty' shirt to discuss unwritten rules in hockey.
  • πŸ’ The concept of 'the code' in hockey is used for fighting, emphasizing fair combat where both parties are willing and no one 'turtles' or hides after starting a fight.
  • β›” The unwritten rule against hitting someone while they're down during a fight is a standard that, if broken, can lead to player safety intervention and potential viral attention.
  • 🀝 Answering the bell after making a questionable or dirty hit is an expected behavior in the hockey community, where the player should be prepared to face consequences.
  • πŸ•ŠοΈ The old unwritten rules included not hitting a player without a helmet if you are wearing one, and taking off helmets during fights, which is now discouraged by the NHL for safety.
  • 🚫 There are several unwritten rules during warm-ups, such as not shooting into the opposing net, not crossing the red line, and keeping interactions to a minimum.
  • πŸŽ–οΈ Showboating and excessive celebrating, especially when scoring into an empty net, is frowned upon as it can be seen as disrespectful to the opposing team.
  • 🀐 Muted goal celebrations when losing a game are expected to not upset teammates, maintaining a respectful demeanor despite personal achievements.
  • πŸ™…β€β™‚οΈ The unwritten rule of not touching the Stanley Cup until you've won it is a superstition that players adhere to, avoiding bad luck.
  • πŸ—£οΈ Chirping or taunting is acceptable within limits, but certain topics like family or personal hardships are considered off-limits and untouchable.
  • πŸ“ The speaker invites viewers to share their thoughts on the unwritten rules in hockey, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the game.
Q & A
  • What is the significance of the Anaheim Ducks shirt and Duck Stream hat mentioned in the video?

    -The Anaheim Ducks shirt was given to the first 10,000 fans at a game the speaker attended, and the Duck Stream hat is from the Duck Stream, the ones who interviewed the speaker.

  • What are the Unwritten rules in hockey mentioned in the video?

    -The video discusses various unwritten rules in hockey, such as fighting etiquette, not hitting someone while they're down, answering the bell after a questionable hit, and respecting the goalie by not touching them when they have or are grabbing the puck.

  • What is meant by 'answer the bell' after making a questionable or dirty hit?

    -It means that a player who makes a questionable or dirty hit is expected to fight and defend their actions when challenged by the opposing team.

  • Why does the speaker mention the 'instigator rule' in the context of fighting in hockey?

    -The speaker believes that the instigator rule, which was meant to reduce fights, is no longer necessary because fighting has decreased significantly in the NHL, and its removal would not lead to a substantial increase in fights.

  • What is the old unwritten rule about hitting players wearing helmets?

    -In the past, it was considered cowardly to hit a player who wasn't wearing a helmet if you were wearing one. Players were expected to keep their hands and sticks down in such situations.

  • Why is it important not to touch the goalie when they have or are grabbing the puck?

    -Touching the goalie in this situation usually leads to pushing and shoving, as it is seen as disrespectful and can escalate into a confrontation.

  • What is the rule about showboating in hockey?

    -Showboating, or excessive celebrating, is frowned upon as it can be seen as taunting the opposing team. Celebrations should be respectful and not overly exuberant.

  • What is the 'snow shower' and why is it considered disrespectful in hockey?

    -A snow shower is when a player skates fast and stops suddenly, spraying snow on the opposing goalie. It is considered disrespectful and can lead to confrontations.

  • Why are handshake lines mandatory in the playoffs but not in the regular season?

    -The handshake line is a tradition in the playoffs to show sportsmanship after a hard-fought series, but it is not practiced in the regular season as it is reserved for the more significant conclusion of a playoff series.

  • What is the general rule about running up the score in hockey?

    -Running up the score is generally frowned upon in hockey. Teams should rest their top players and not use their top power-play unit when they have a significant lead to avoid humiliating the opponent.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ’ Hockey's Unwritten Rules and Their Evolution

The video discusses the unwritten rules in hockey, focusing on how they vary between different leagues and have changed over time. The speaker mentions that while some rules are specific to the NHL, others apply more broadly. They delve into the concept of 'the code,' which governs fighting and retaliation, and how it's been influenced by changes like the instigator rule. The speaker also touches on the debate over the Department of Player Safety's focus on certain teams and the expectation for players to 'answer the bell' after a dirty hit.

05:00
πŸ€• Old School Hockey Etiquette and Modern Adaptations

This paragraph covers the historical aspects of hockey etiquette, such as not hitting an unhelmeted player when you're wearing a helmet, and the tradition of removing helmets during fights. It also addresses how the NHL's rules have evolved to discourage certain behaviors, such as instigating fights without intending to engage fully. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and memories from watching hockey in the '80s, highlighting the differences in how the game was played and perceived back then compared to today.

10:02
❌ Observing Hockey's Etiquette: Respect and Sportsmanship

The speaker outlines various unwritten rules that govern player conduct on the ice, such as not touching the goalie while they have control of the puck and avoiding excessive celebrations that could be seen as taunting. They also discuss the tradition of not shooting into the opposing net during warm-ups and the changing norms around player interactions across team lines. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of respect and sportsmanship in maintaining the integrity of the game.

15:02
πŸ₯… Taboos and Traditions in Hockey Culture

This section delves into specific taboos in hockey, like not celebrating excessively after scoring into an empty net and the prohibition against snow showers directed at the opposing goalie. The speaker also talks about the mandatory handshake line in the playoffs, which is seen as a sign of respect regardless of the game's outcome. They touch on the idea that certain actions, like running up the score, are frowned upon in hockey, unlike in other sports where they might be more accepted.

20:03
πŸ† Superstitions and Courtesies in Hockey Superstitions

The speaker discusses superstitions and courtesies in hockey, such as not touching the Stanley Cup until you've won it and keeping pucks down during warm-ups to avoid injuries. They mention the unwritten rule against excessive goal celebrations when your team is losing badly and the importance of not discussing certain off-limits topics, like family or personal hardships, while chirping on the ice. The paragraph highlights the fine line between competitive banter and crossing into disrespectful territory.

🚫 The 'Don't Be a Dick' Rule and Hockey Etiquette

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker wraps up the discussion on hockey's unwritten rules by emphasizing a simple guiding principle: 'Don't be a dick.' They suggest that this rule encompasses all the etiquette and respect expected from players, whether in the NHL or in casual beer leagues. The speaker invites viewers to share their thoughts and any additional unwritten rules they might know, fostering a sense of community and ongoing conversation around the game's evolving norms.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Unwritten rules
Unwritten rules refer to the informal and unspoken guidelines that govern behavior in a particular context, in this case, hockey. They are not officially recognized but are widely understood and respected by participants. In the video, the theme revolves around these unwritten rules in hockey, which include fighting etiquette, not hitting a player down, and not excessive celebrating, among others.
πŸ’‘Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. They are part of the National Hockey League (NHL). The script mentions the shirt the speaker got from the Anaheim Ducks, indicating a personal connection or fandom to the team, which adds a personal touch to the video's content.
πŸ’‘Code
In hockey, the 'code' typically refers to the set of unwritten rules that dictate how players should conduct themselves, especially in the context of fighting. The video discusses the 'code' in relation to fighting, emphasizing the importance of fair combat and not hitting an opponent who is down, as examples of maintaining respect and sportsmanship.
πŸ’‘Fighting
Fighting in hockey is a controversial but recognized aspect of the game, often resulting from a player retaliating against a perceived dirty or dangerous play. The script mentions the 'code' and 'unwritten rules' associated with fighting, such as not hitting a player while they're down and the concept of 'turtling', which is frowned upon.
πŸ’‘Department of Player Safety
The Department of Player Safety in the NHL is responsible for evaluating plays that occur in games for potential supplemental discipline. The script discusses how certain teams, like Toronto, seem to receive more attention from this department, suggesting a perceived bias or heightened scrutiny in the enforcement of player safety.
πŸ’‘Answering the Bell
In hockey, 'answering the bell' means that a player is willing to face the consequences of their actions, typically in the form of a fight or confrontation. The script mentions that if a player makes a questionable or dirty hit, they are expected to 'answer the bell' when they next take to the ice, reflecting the game's culture of accountability.
πŸ’‘Showboating
Showboating in sports is an act of celebrating in an exaggerated or ostentatious manner, often seen as disrespectful or taunting to the opposing team. The video script warns against excessive showboating, especially in the context of hockey, where modesty in celebration is preferred to maintain respect among players.
πŸ’‘Warm-ups
Warm-ups in hockey are the pre-game activities where players prepare for the match by skating and practicing shots. The script mentions specific unwritten rules during warm-ups, such as not shooting into the opposing team's net and keeping pucks down to avoid injuries, reflecting the etiquette expected of players before the game begins.
πŸ’‘Chirping
Chirping is the act of taunting or making remarks at an opponent, often with the intent to distract or get a reaction. The video script notes that while chirping is generally acceptable, there are certain topics that are considered off-limits, such as family or personal hardships, highlighting the boundaries of this form of interaction in hockey.
πŸ’‘Turtling
In the context of hockey fights, 'turtling' refers to a player who initiates a fight but then covers up and offers little resistance, avoiding the confrontation. The script mentions 'turtling' as an example of behavior that is not in line with the 'code', emphasizing the expectation for willing combatants to engage fairly in fights.
πŸ’‘Don't be a dick
This phrase encapsulates a simple but effective guideline for behavior, mentioned in the script as a rule in beer leagues and applicable to the broader context of hockey. It suggests that players should avoid acting in a way that is selfish, disrespectful, or harmful to others, serving as a catch-all for unwritten rules and promoting good sportsmanship.
Highlights

The video discusses unwritten rules in hockey, some specific to the NHL, but applicable in other leagues as well.

The presenter is wearing an Anaheim Ducks shirt, a duck stream hat, and a '2-minute penalty' shirt, indicating a personal connection to the sport.

Baseball might have more unwritten rules than hockey, and many of these could be considered unsportsmanlike penalties.

The concept of 'retaliation' in hockey is an unwritten rule that referees always call, with no exceptions.

The 'code' in hockey is often used to refer to fighting etiquette, emphasizing fair combat and no 'turtling'.

The instigator rule in the NHL has led to a decrease in fights, suggesting its removal might not increase fighting incidents.

Hitting someone while they're down during a fight is considered unsportsmanlike and can lead to player safety intervention.

There's a debate about the fairness of the Department of Player Safety's attention to incidents involving certain teams.

Answering the bell after a questionable or dirty hit is an expected behavior in hockey, part of the unwritten code.

Old unwritten rules included not hitting a player without a helmet if you are wearing one, reflecting a sense of fairness.

The tradition of removing helmets during a fight is now discouraged by the NHL for safety reasons.

Do not touch the goalie when they have or are grabbing the puck, a common unwritten rule that can lead to team conflicts.

Shooting into the opposing net during warm-ups is considered disrespectful and against unwritten rules.

Showboating or excessive celebration, especially when taunting the opposing bench, is frowned upon in hockey.

Empty net goals are typically not celebrated excessively to maintain respect for the opposing team.

Snow showers, where a player sprays snow at others while skating, are fun but should not be directed at the goalie.

The handshake line is mandatory in the playoffs, representing a tradition of sportsmanship.

Running up the score in hockey is generally frowned upon, with coaches often resting top players if leading significantly.

Muted goal celebrations when losing a game are expected to not demoralize teammates.

The presenter emphasizes the importance of not touching the Stanley Cup until a team has officially won it, considering it bad luck.

During warm-ups, keeping pucks down to prevent injuries is an unwritten rule that should be respected.

Chirping or taunting is acceptable in hockey, but certain topics like family or personal hardships are off-limits.

The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the unwritten rules of hockey in the comment section.

Transcripts
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