I’m not a hockey fan, so don’t know anything about the players or even team names. But i just saw i trending. Maybe these 2 teams are rivals, but im wondering why the refs are allowing them to fight. Unlike the NBA, refs always get into the middle to stop any punches but NHL is different. Its not cool for kids to watch, but I’m entertained LOL
All of this is true, but it’s also allowed because the fans like the fights, which keeps them buying tickets.
That’s the core reason. The rest of the “practical” reasons you listed could be resolved if the owners really wanted the fights to stop. They dont.