National Hockey League Stages Fan Fights Between Periods

In an effort to increase fan interest in hockey, the NHL recently introduced staged fan fights that take place between periods. Between periods, the Zamboni ice-cleaning machines pulls a specially-made octagon behind it. Fans enter the octagon and fight each other for two minutes. The winner receives a gift certificate to the team store in their city or the team of their choice.

Mario Punchmeinthegizzard, the league’s VP of Special Promotions said octagon allows fans to get into the excitement and violence of the game by fighting each other. “Our research showed fans really, really, really wanted to punch the loudmouth, obnoxious bozo next to them who was supporting the other team just because they lived there for a few years a decade ago. Now they can legally fight each other and everyone in the arena can enjoy it at the same time.”

“Our testing showed strong support for the chance to try to knock the heck out of another fan. In certain cities, like Edmonton, Winnipeg and Detroit, some fans lit up our switchboard and swamped our Facebook page with comments, trying to be the first ones to sign up. We had to shut down comments and add staff to our phone bank to accommodate all the requests. We may add a number of matches before or after the game to give everyone a chance,” Mr. Punchmeinthegizzard explained.