Years ago, I stopped going to hockey games because of the cheering that takes place when a fight occurs.
The Prince George Citizen sports page photograph on Monday, Jan. 25 displays this attitude well, as shown by the gleefully laughing fans in the background.
How many students might take this photograph to school to show their friends the good wallop that took place at the game they might have attended.
They might even try to imitate their hockey hero by punching their friends.
In these days of so much violence in the world, especially youth gun violence in schools and communities, it is disappointing to see the Prince George Citizen contribute to the negative influence of young minds, who see hockey players as their heroes.
For the past ten years, we have implemented youth violence and suicide prevention programs.
This program started due to the Prince George Teen Crisis Line, that was initiated in 1985.
Youth violence and suicides are no different in Prince George and Canada.
Publishing violent hockey photographs does not help efforts to assist youth in positive leadership.
It would seem the Prince George Citizen cares little about their negative influence on our youth.
Great shot, James Doyle, but the dozens of others images you might have taken could have displayed a more positive message for our youth.
Vince Ramcharran
Prince George
