Major Misconduct

Jeremy Allingham is an award-winning journalist and musician from Vancouver. He works for the CBC, where some of his most recent and poignant work has included in-depth coverage of the opioid crisis, the Northern Gateway Pipeline, and federal politics. • Jeremy also profiles former NHL players known as “hockey enforcers,” hired primarily as fighting machines in order to protect their teammates and entertain their fans, but when their playing days are over, who’s left to fight for them? James McEwan fought 200 times in junior in the pros and now copes with depression and anxiety through the practice of yoga and ayahuasca ceremonies. Stephen Peat fought for the Washington Capitals, but now faces drug addiction and homelessness. Dale Purinton fought for the New York Rangers, but now faces addiction and mental health challenges that nearly landed him in prison for decades. • In the author’s own words: “I have a passionate love for hockey, but over the years, that love has been tainted by fighting. In hockey, it is tantamount to bare-knuckle boxing, and it ruins the viewing experience. Knowing what we know about the lasting devastation of traumatic brain injuries, I’m deeply confused as to why this practice is allowed to continue.” • Jeremy hopes his book will underscore the need for the NHL and their minor-league counterparts to review the role that fighting continues to play in hockey, despite the powers that be. • Jeremy is an articulate and knowledgeable spokesperson on the subject. • US publicity by Beth Parker.