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I find it interesting and somewhat shocking that the Hockey Canada has now gone to no hitting for the younger players. As a coach and referee of over 35 years I believe the change in culture at the NHL level and the lack of RESPECT the players of all ages have for their fellow players as well as the complete body armor these players wear is setting the younger ones up for a bad fall. One can plainly see that with the way they make equipment now that is supposed to protect the player wearing it, pads are not for protecting the player, rather they are used as weapons to hurt others. I'm all for protection as far as equipment goes. But, the youngsters have a sense of being "indestructible" as the hard layers of various pads they are wearing seem to provide a false sense of confidence and security. Coaching; where a player is supposed to be taught the proper way to play the game, has fallen by the wayside in the instruction of protecting oneself and respecting others. It's just a game! And not a game "to win at all costs". Back in the day, if you turned your back while going into the corner without "having your head on a swivel" to protect YOURSELF from those who would lick their chops at pasteing you to the boards, that was your problem. Now, little thought or instruction is relayed to these players, starting at a young age that the various hard layers of body armor will not protect you from a broken neck if you are not aware of others approaching. Especially from behind. If players were coached and versed properly, at an early age to have RESPECT on the ice, I believe the game would be better for it. Good passes, shots and teamplay are what the game is all about. In my mind anyway. Just my rant, but that's it. FHD