The Devil's Advocate

Sean Avery teamed up with the Human Rights Campaign this weekend to publicize his support for marriage equality - the ability for gays to get married like everyone else. Media and blogs alike have picked up the story with the same basic slant: 'Sean Avery is known for being a scumbag but hey, look, he is doing something nice.'

Avery's reputation, as many True Blue Ranger fans will attest to, is completely unjust. There is no denying that he is a pest of the highest magnitude on the ice - a waterbug that nips and annoys the opponent to distraction. That's his job, that's what he does and - when unshackled by his coach - he does it pretty damn well.

Avery's on-ice obnoxiousness led to a harsh welcome to Dallas. The locker room leaders of the Stars - Turco, Modano and Morrow - all publicly spoke out against his signing and created an untenable environment. Avery and Steve Ott teamed up to create a two-punch of pestiferous play but it was Avery that was consistently called on the carpet. With Modano, Morrow and Turco all struggling through their season, Avery tried to spark the team and get a little animosity going for what would be a lifeless affair against the Flames, an almost certain loss for the Stars. The infamous 'Sloppy Seconds' interview was all Avery's detractors needed to get him off the ice.

The PC Police went wild and Avery was banished to counseling. Now, most grown adults - and even most 12 year old girls Mr. Bettman - were hardly offended by Avery's words but he paid his penance just the same. He did it quietly, he did not voice his dissent over the utter absurdity of the entire situation.

Afterwards Sather set up Avery's move back to New York and the player returned to his old stomping grounds supposedly a changed man. And yet Avery went back to doing the same kind of things he did during his first stint in New York: charity work and fan interaction. His initial tenure saw him help out Ice Hockey In Harlem and do the unthinkable - sit with the diehards to watch a game. Since Avery has been back he continues to interact with fans and has upped his charity work. He went on Jimmie Fallon to promote Career Gear, an organization that gives suits so people can go to job interviews. He has regularly joined his teammates in supporting the Garden of Dreams (remember this?). He took his clothes off for skin cancer.

And now Avery is back to advocating for gay rights. The same kind of dubiousness that greeted his comments back in February - that he would stand beside any player who wanted to come out of the closet - has also returned with his support of gay marriage.

As many of us Avery fans have said: he has the reputation that Matt Cooke deserves, and sadly that reputation has unjustly carried off-ice for years. It is about time that that is changed. Despise the player all you like - and we hope you do, because that means he is doing his job - but don't slur the person. What have you done for society lately?

 The Devil's Advocate: Exploring the Complex Role of Hockey Enforcers

In the fast-paced and often brutal world of ice hockey, there exists a unique and polarizing role known as the enforcer. These are the players whose primary job is to protect their teammates through intimidation, physicality, and if necessary, dropping the gloves for a fight. While some hail them as heroes and guardians of the game, others criticize their role, questioning its place in a sport that increasingly prioritizes skill and finesse. In this article, we delve into the complex and controversial role of hockey enforcers, examining their history, impact on the game, and the evolving perception of their place in modern hockey.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Enigma of Hockey Enforcers

Setting the stage for an exploration of the enforcer's role in hockey, its history, and its place in the modern game.

A Brief History of Enforcers

Tracing the origins of enforcers in hockey and how their role has evolved over the years.

The Enforcer's Toolkit

Analyzing the skills and attributes that define a successful enforcer, from physicality to mental toughness.

Guardians of the Ice: On-Ice Roles

Examining the enforcer's responsibilities on the ice, including protecting star players and changing the momentum of a game.

The Code: Unwritten Rules of Enforcing

Exploring the unwritten code of conduct that governs enforcers, including when and why fights occur.

The Changing Face of Hockey

Discussing the evolving nature of hockey, including rule changes and shifts in playing style, and how these factors affect the enforcer's role.

Enforcers Beyond the Ice

Highlighting the impact enforcers have on their teammates, the locker room, and the fanbase, both positive and negative.

Controversy and Criticism

Examining the criticisms and controversies surrounding enforcers, including concerns about player safety and the role's relevance.

The Enforcer's Place in Modern Hockey

Discussing whether the traditional enforcer still has a place in today's NHL and the changing landscape of the sport.

: The Complex Legacy of Enforcers

Summarizing the multifaceted role of hockey enforcers and their enduring, if evolving, place in the game.

1. Introduction: The Enigma of Hockey Enforcers

In this introductory section, we introduce the enforcer's role in hockey and outline the themes and questions we'll explore throughout the article.

2. A Brief History of Enforcers

Tracing the origins of enforcers in hockey and how their role has evolved over the years.

3. The Enforcer's Toolkit

Analyzing the skills and attributes that define a successful enforcer, from physicality to mental toughness.

4. Guardians of the Ice: On-Ice Roles

Examining the enforcer's responsibilities on the ice, including protecting star players and changing the momentum of a game.

5. The Code: Unwritten Rules of Enforcing

Exploring the unwritten code of conduct that governs enforcers, including when and why fights occur.

6. The Changing Face of Hockey

Discussing the evolving nature of hockey, including rule changes and shifts in playing style, and how these factors affect the enforcer's role.

7. Enforcers Beyond the Ice

Highlighting the impact enforcers have on their teammates, the locker room, and the fanbase, both positive and negative.

8. Controversy and Criticism

Examining the criticisms and controversies surrounding enforcers, including concerns about player safety and the role's relevance.

9. The Enforcer's Place in Modern Hockey

Discussing whether the traditional enforcer still has a place in today's NHL and the changing landscape of the sport.

10. Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Enforcers

Summarizing the multifaceted role of hockey enforcers and their enduring, if evolving, place in the game.

Final Thoughts

The role of hockey enforcers remains one of the most debated and misunderstood aspects of the sport. While their impact on the game has evolved, their legacy, both positive and negative, endures. Understanding their complex role helps us appreciate the diverse elements that make hockey a unique and captivating sport.