So I was reading some shit and.
An accumulation of penalties in ice hockey probably does not lead to the degradation of a player’s legitimate hockey skills, but continuous reinforcement of illegal play during the course of a career might maintain or enhance the opportunities available from that style of play. Over time, certain players undoubtedly are more successful—that is, make greater contributions to their team’s objective—when they play a rougher, more aggressive style, even if that style places them at greater risk for penalty.
It's from an article by a guy named W David Allen - I can't say if that was the crux of his argument but it was an interesting read.
