Source: NHL.com

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. Please check out some of the great writing that is happening in the hockey media and blogosphere!

• Edmonton Oilers defenceman Taylor Fedun capped off a remarkable comeback to the NHL by scoring a goal in his first NHL game. The Princeton graduate shattered his leg almost two years on an icing play and missed an entire year due to the horrific injury. After playing a full season in the AHL, registering 27 points for the Oklahoma City Barons, Fedun returned to the NHL to resume his career. [Oil Spills]
• The Chicago Blackhawks were honored at the White House by US President Barack Obama for their Stanley Cup championship. [Second City Hockey]
• Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s new book A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & The Rise of Professional Hockey was officially released this week. Tony Keller provides an excellent book review. [The Globe and Mail]
• Ray Emery and the Philadelphia Flyers have taken some heat for the line-brawl against Washington. Even though Emery went after Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, who really wanted no part Emery, it doesn’t appear any suspensions are looming. [Broad Street Hockey]
• The referees who allowed Holtby to take a series of punches to the back of the head have also been scrutinized for their involvement. Former NHL referee Kerry Fraser provides his take on how the situation should have been handled. [TSN]
• Ken Dryden provides his take on why fighting needs to be removed from hockey. His argument is in response to an excerpt from Bobby Orr’s new book, where he suggests that fighting is the best outlet for a player’s frustration. [The Globe and Mail]
• Researchers from the Mayo Clinic provide insight on the negative impacts of fighting and why it should be removed from all levels of hockey. Included in the article is a link to Brian Burke’s guest column where he defends fighting in hockey. [USA Today]
• The Canadian Institute of Health Research and their partners will be funding $7.5 million to 19 new research projects that will study concussions in minor hockey. Oddly enough, fighting proponent Brian Burke was on hand to show his support for the research projects. [Metro News]
• Police in Victoria are investigating after the mascot of the WHL’s Royals was attacked by a fan during an intermission contest. [National Post]