Old-time hockey

Old-time hockey is a term used by sportscasters and fans of the sport of ice hockey whenever the on-ice action degenerates into a brawl or rough play.

The term comes from the 1977 motion picture "Slap Shot" in which player-coach Reggie "Reg" Dunlop (played by Paul Newman) calls on his team, the Charleston Chiefs of the Federal League, to turn around a losing game by playing like thugs. It works as the Chiefs beat their way to victory and reverse their season largely by tripping, slashing, boarding and pummeling their opponents into submission.

Old Time Hockey in the movie "Slap Shot" refers to the team's turn away from the brawling style for the last game of the championship. Instead the team wants to play the style of hockey that still had respect and dignity. Likewise when used in modern sports language it means when players play the game like the old greats (Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr), with respect for the game and other players, and with a lot of heart.