This is in response to a letter printed Dec. 19 about fighting at a Maineiacs hockey game.

To suggest that the fighting consumed the first period is far from true; there were three fights that totaled perhaps three minutes, while the period lasted 20 minutes. These players know how to protect themselves and seldom get hurt.

I believe there is a role for fighting in a semiprofessional league such as the Maineiacs. A fight could fire up a team that may be behind. And the team may have to protect star players against the huskies. In the Maineiacs game, it was a case of bad blood from a previous game.

The mentor should explain the difference between that type of fighting compared to fighting in the streets, where there are no rules. And what would he say to a child about boxing or karate, which can be one of the best things for a young troubled kid to get into?

Perhaps the mentor could have explained other aspects of the game, such as dedication, loyalty, hard work, motivation, discipline and stamina. He could explain the hard work on the ice and off.

If that child is out to get into trouble and being aggressive, I’m sure that seeing a Maineiacs game is not going to add to his behavior problems.

Dave Asselin, Lewiston

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