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Welcome to Hockey in Society’s Weekly Links post. This feature highlights articles or blog entries that are related to Hockey in Society’s areas of interest and that may be of interest to the site’s readers.

Hockey Links

Excellent post about the culture of violence in hockey. One of the best things I’ve read this week. [Canucks Army]

A fascinating and disturbing interview with former enforcer Mike Peluso, who speaks out in favour of fighting: “To ban fighting would be stupid. I liked to fight. I got pissed off getting beat on the scoreboard. If we’re not winning or trying, at least let’s kick the s— out of them.” [Slam Sports, h/t to Puck Daddy for the link]

Solid post about the criticisms against NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan’s new crackdown on dangerous plays, and how these amount to an effort to discredit Shanahan: “Some people involved in hockey do not like the reduction in hits that this process will lead to. They are interested in derailing the process. . . . Most of these critics have personal interests that trump any interest in player health.” [Kukla’s Corner]

On Tuesday, CBC news program The National included a panel to discuss fighting and headshots in hockey. Panelists included Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Ken Dryden, Scotty Bowman and Elliotte Friedman. The CBC – hey, isn’t that the crown corporation that employs Don Cherry? [CBC]

An article comparing the municipal government approaches toward two antiquated sports stadiums: Pontiac, MI’s Silverdome and Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena. The two cases offer some interesting implications for policy development around stadium development and usage. [The Atlantic, once again h/t to Puck Daddy for the link]

General Sports Links

Professional WWE (formerly WWF) wrestlers are attempting to unionize but face an uphill battle. A fascinating look into the labour conditions and issues faced by WWE performers. [Grantland]

A Brazilian congressman, and former World Cup star, criticizes FIFA for attempting to overrule Brazilian laws that guarantee discounted soccer tickets to pensioners and students. An interesting power struggle in the ongoing debate about whether organizations such as FIFA and the IOC rules take precedence over national laws – a struggle that female ski jumpers in Canada know all too well. [BBC]