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It seems logical that sports will follow society. We are focused on making kids safer, smarter, happier, more comfortable, less violent, less prone to bullying, more PC, etc. All of that isn't bad, but I've got to think it could knock some of the rough edges off sports.
Look at Mike Tyson - the opposite of how society wants to raise kids, but an animal and world champ in the ring.
The NHL has a very interesting stat, based on the physical size of their rookies, going back to 1968.
Since that base year, the new young players coming into the elite hockey league in the world, have grown by a total of more than six inches in average height, and a increase of over 30 pounds in body weight. They also have superior reaction times, and an increased ability to move and balance themselves, and their body fat, or BMI is 12 percent lower, compared to the 1968 players.
They can skate faster, both forwards and backwards than the players from 40 years ago. They have greater physical endurance, and better hand eye coordination.
My point ? They are still playing a very fast, tough, physical game, and doing it for a 8 month regular season ( 84 games ) plus a possible further 16 games if their team makes it to the final series. In some cases they play 4 games in a 7 day period, including travel days between time zones.
The NHL actually has a rule that says that if a player has blood on their sweater, they have to change it between periods. When was the last time that you saw a baseball player bleeding ? It is not uncommon for a hockey player to get seriously cut, get stiches, and come back and finish the game. Playing hurt is a part of that game. Compare that to NBA players, who sit out because of a injured finger ?
Professional soccer players fake being injured, so the opposition gets a penalty. They go down like they were shot by a sniper in the stands. In hockey, they have a two minute penalty, for "diving "
The only other sport that I would compare to hockey is rugby. No pads, no helmets, and all most continuous action. If somebody gets knocked out on the field, the medics carry them off, with no stoppage of play. Running at full speed, then kicking a field goal as you run, or carrying the ball into the end zone, with three of the opposition on your back, makes the NFL look like a Sunday school picnic.
Not many softies to be found in those two sports.
Oh and by the way.......Gordie Howe, Mister Hockey, played professional hockey in 5 decades, and finally retired at age 51. And in his last season in the NHL , he led his team in goals. He was the only NHL player to ever center a forward line, with his two adult SONS as wing men. He all ways wore number 9, and that is why Wayne Gretzky wore 99, to honour his child hood hero.
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