Would the return of the hip check help eliminate some of the hits to the head?

Tuna,

I doubt there are many players who even have an idea how to throw one. I dont think I see more than a handful a year anymore....used to see a couple or more a game.I think it is a cultural issue with the headhunting...there seems to be a "kill shot" mentality that permeates the game today. Respect of opponent is largely out the window in favor of making a highlight film or taking out a player that could beat you. Remember when taking the body was an effective check that served the purpose right then and also might have the guys head on a swivel....those body shots can take away you air and hurt. I think Shanny has the right idea....hit them squarely in the wallet and I bet it doesnt take long before guys realize the body is an easier target to hit and less expensive too. I would love to see some of the good hip checks back in the game but it is an art form and hard to master.....going elbows to head just seems so easy and unfortunately until now somewhat glorious.

I think Hip Checks are potentially more dangerous than head shots...Hip checks are hard to throw and easier to avoid, so if a guy is throwing a hip check he may miss and just hit you in one leg causing knee injuries. Also a clean hip check can send you flying to the ice and you could easily smack your head...Whatever the case hip checks won't be something players go to because they're much harder to pull off and if you miss a hip check you're so far out of position it's not even funny.

Its certainly hard to use the form of a hip check and nail a dude in the head unless your chara... The only thing is you may see an increase of blown out knees...

I personally would rather see more hip checks they are entertaining you hardly ever see them result in someone having a sezier or ending their career.. as a matter of a fact... Has a hip check ever ended a career?

I think it would but I feel like a lot of the newer players don't even know how to lay a good hip check on somebody.

....haha hell yeah!

Yes it would, the hip check was great and needs to come back