Reflective Punch: A graphic design examination of the representation of the violence in the 226 hockey fights that took place in the NHL Regular Season of 2018-19

The number of hockey fights has declined in the National Hockey League (NHL) in recent years but still occupies a cultural and physical space in the game. Medical research and studies have revealed the possible severity of repeated hits to the head on athletes brains in the long-term. It begs the question, why do many players, NHL management and hockey fans choose to continue to honour fighting in the game? This research challenges the perception and reaction to the violence seen in the 226 total fights of the 2018-19 NHL Regular Season through creative and exploratory graphic design works. This thesis demonstrates how graphic design can explain some of the complicated, violent nuances on NHL hockey ice rinks.