It's not just cheap shots at all. There is a lack of respect in the league these days, but cheap shots have been part of the game since it was invented in NS, Canada eons ago.

The main reason for injuries is because the league has approved shoulder and elbow pads made of kevlar type of material.

Hockey is a violent sport period. I love it, but the league needs to go back to making the players play with gear that was used in the 60's and 70's. The players are also huge now with better conditioning and who work out all year long.

Here is a pic of current "gladiator" type of shoulder pads that hockey players wear http://www.rcsports.com/prodimages/CCM-v04-Hockey-Shoulder-Pads_large.jpg]

Here is a pic of current "old school" type of shoulder pads that hockey players wore in the 70's and 80's http://www.dkimages.com/discover/pre...77/5018536.JPG

I actually still wear the old school pads whenever I get out for a pickup game which is rare these days.

Also look at the sticks players use. These are 1 piece sticks made of composite materials which increases the speed at which the puck leaves the blade of the stick. Sadly technology plays an important part of the game.