It’s the old Canadian adage. You go to a fight and a hockey game breaks out.

I guess that’s what a recent Centennials game turned out to be. But here’s the kicker, it wasn’t a fight on the ice, but a brawl in the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena stands.

I guess it could be considered a fun night out, even if you get a tooth knocked out or you split your fist open, but we are supposed to be past that as a supposed progressive society, aren’t we?

Now I understand that the incident at the Cents game may not be the classic hooligan act, but it still shouldn’t have happened. Apparently it was a fight involving only hometown fans.

I’ve played hockey for many years and like most, have gotten involved in the odd tussle or two but it always astounds me seeing sports fans letting a mere game get the best of them while they watch.

What are their excuses? Testosterone? Team passion? How about saving all of that and directing it, in a non-violent way, towards your elected officials. Save the passion for your family and loved ones.

There are civil ways of doing things, even in the hockey arena.

Look at high-level hockey players, for example. They are typically very gentlemanly people off the ice, even and especially the tough guys like Jerome Iginla and Marty McSorely. Yes, I realize McSorely is not liked in B.C. for what he did to fellow tough guy Donald Brashear, but he was and still is well respected in Edmonton, not just for being Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard, but for how nice he was off the ice.

If hockey players can manage that kind of self-control, what excuse do rowdy fans have? Maybe it’s the beer, but then again, one should be able to handle their alcohol.

On the bright side of all of this, at least we haven’t succumbed to the level of hooliganism of Europeans in the soccer stadiums.

The 1985 European soccer championship in Belgium, where spectators became so emotionally involved in the game that a riot broke out in the stands, resulting in 38 deaths and more than 400 injuries is an extreme example of where hooliganism can lead.

Respect for thy neighbour was clearly squashed by tribal (team) loyalty and craze in this case.

Fans need to exercise respect. If someone angers you during a game, instead of the drop-the-gloves reaction, brush it off. It takes more of a man to control his emotion and aggression.

And if you are going to drink, know your limits and just enjoy the game.

— John O'Connor