I grew up watching NHL hockey. By the time I hit my 20s, my interest in it was rapidly declining. Really, my interest should have come to a halt in 1972 when Team Canada beat the USSR by slashing, hacking and cheating. We should consider that a loss. We should admit our inferiority instead of boast.

Hockey continues to go downhill. Team loyalty among players is based on what team will pay the largest salary. Ticket prices are preposterously high. And role models for boys should be found among men who do something more with their lives than play a game for monetary gain.

Do you want a role model for your boy? How about quitting your hockey habit and becoming his role model? Become a more serious person he can look up to and take seriously. Some adult hockey fans are even doing this lewd hockey dance to promote the sport! What kind of role modeling is that?

When I hear of another hockey lockout going on, I don’t grin and bear it like the average Canadian does. I just grin. There aren’t many reasons to care about professional hockey. Hockey is a game that should be left for the kids to play. For that to happen, adults have to grow up and let professional hockey die out.

Mark Gaboury

Red Deer