The level of sanctioned violence that ought to be permitted in hockey is a polarizing debate.

There's a modern player are capable of delivering a concussion no denying that the speed and weight of that can end another player's career and leave him or her with lifelong brain damage.

But attempts to reduce the speed of the game, or the level of contact permitted, threaten to rob the game of its rough-and-tumble soul, which is itself a part of the Canadian psyche.

The Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association stepped into this head-versus-heart argument this week, banning body checking in all of its house contests, while leaving the old contact rules intact for the premier players involved at the rep level.

This might look like a hesitant half-measure at first, but it actually makes sense. Unless the professional leagues ban bodychecking, aspiring young pros need to train and prepare for it.

They also need a chance to stop and consider if the promise of fame and fortune is worth the risk.

But there are many young people who are passionate for the game without having any intention of earning a living from it. Staying active, being part of a team and living through both victory and defeat are life lessons that transcend hockey.