Cover detail of "Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey"
The Sport of Hockey Violence Story aired: Thursday, May 08, 2003
On a recent afternoon a bunch of guys gathered around a TV watching hockey, not a game, but a compilation of fights. It's sort of a greatest hits, pardon the expression, of the sport.
In hockey, there are players called enforcers, or goons, whose main purpose is to fight. Some, like Canada's Marty McSorley, who stood trial for hitting a player with a stick, have been criticized. Most stay within the bounds of expected brawl behavior.
While it sounds appalling to some, to others they are heroes. Doug "The Thug" Smith was an enforcer, one of hockey's hired hit men and also author of the book, "Goon." He says his job was to protect and stand up for other players.
"Drop the Gloves" is the name of a website devoted to hockey brawls and the cult following of fight enthusiasts. Recently Here and Now traveled to Newton Massachusetts to meet up with Doug "The Thug" Smith and "Drop the Gloves" founders Bryan Kurzman and Jonathan Wright. We found a meticulous basement shrine, filled with videotapes, paraphernalia, and computers.
Guests:
Doug Smith, author, "Goon."
Bryan Kurzman and Jonathan Wright, founders of "Drop the Gloves."
