Within the hockey community, there are certain fans who have longed to witness the traditional bubble of hockey players discussing the sport get popped by even the smallest bit of logic. For many, this is the real enemy of the hockey ethos. So, a big thank you to Jennifer Botterill, who, during the intermission of Sportsnet’s recent coverage, managed to challenge Jamal Mayers and Sam Cosentino’s perspectives.

The focus of the discussion was on two back-to-back incidents in games between the Minnesota Wild and the Winnipeg Jets. Kirill Kaprizov and the Jets’ Brenden Dillon were involved in a heated exchange in the first game, followed by another incident in the rematch just two nights later. The hockey world might consider these events a form of justice, but Botterill’s perspective, influenced by her successful career in women’s hockey, contrasted with the traditional mindset.

It is rare to see outdated concepts of hockey so clearly defined, and it was refreshing to witness Botterill challenge the narrow views of her peers. Hopefully, this will lead to more conversations that challenge conventional thinking within the sport.