While hockey fights in Quebec are under the microscope in different leagues, a new sport is emerging: Ice Wars.
The objective is to deliver a fight on ice, consisting of two one-minute rounds, but in a supervised manner.
In other words, Ice Wars makes hockey brawling the essence of the sport, but on ice, with rules and with mixed martial arts (MMA) gloves.
In an arena, you need two fighters, each posted in their corner, as well as a referee. When the official blows his whistle and signals the face-off, the fighters start the fight, then wearing a helmet, as well as complete hockey equipment.
Dany Côté, a promoter of the new sport, considers the sport to be comparable to the UFC, an American mixed martial arts sports league. “It’s a tournament formula, the fighters compete to win a purse throughout the evening. There are also unique fights, these are other weight categories, ”explained Dany Côté.
Trifluvien Jean-François Lafrance is currently a hockey player in the Senior AAA and in the North American Hockey League. He is also the only Quebecer to practice ice fighting. “I’m a hockey fighter, I like the feeling and the fighting sport too. It’s the only way I found to fulfill my desires,” said Jean-François Lafrance.
Ice Wars would be safer than hockey fights. “As in anything, when it is well framed and structured… I think that an organization like ours can have its place. The fighters are ready and prepared,” defended Dany Côté.
The 2e event of this new sport will take place on August 6 in Edmonton.
