Metropolitan Division Veteran Unmoved By NHL Commissioner Gary 's Latest Controversial Rules
Photo credit: NHL.com
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the league have issued new rules that have eroded the traditional practice of wearing suits before a game. Fortunately for Alex Ovechkin, who is a Stanley Cup champion, with a little bit of a mean streak, the rules don't mean much to him.
Much of hockey culture extends beyond the recent decade, as the "good old boys club" is resistant to change and often recalcitrant in the face of criticism.
With members of the older generation leaving key roles in different teams (John Tortorella and Lou Lamoriello), a new culture can form. A new consensus, and with the latest rule change from the NHL, dress suits are no longer required to be worn before a match.
The league has been slowly eroding defined norms in recent years, starting with ads on the jersey, helmets, and now we've reached the abolition of the dress code.
For fans who don't believe these things are necessary, it's a great switch; a player should be free to be themselves, right? That's how Alex Ovechkin views it.
"It makes no difference to me whether I wear jeans or a suit. I always feel comfortable."
Alex Ovechkin's Norms: Not Our Own
Ovechkin's been the subject of criticism for his choice of dress, but now he can feel free to eschew norms, and pundits to be himself. The winger has an eccentric personality and has never cared what people thought of him before, so why would he now?
Older fans won't like the new moves, as they feel dressing up is about respect for the game and your opponents. But for modern fans, this move is the ultimate sign of progress for players who have concepts of style outside of cultural norms and ideas.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 3 | 77 ANSWERS Metropolitan Division Veteran Unmoved By NHL Commissioner Gary 's Latest Controversial Rules Do you think NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is right to remove the dress code for the players? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 41.6 % |
| No | 45 | 58.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
