Hockey is a unique sport in that it allows physical fights to flourish.
Many fans of the sport view hockey fights as an essential part of the game for players to blow off steam and settle their differences in a far way.
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Most Memorable Hockey Fights
The most memorable hockey fights are those that break out between multiple players on the ice, resulting in a full-fledged brawl.
These brawls can be thrilling to watch and often escalate quickly, leading to some of the most epic hockey fights in history.
One such fight took place during a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers in 1979. This particular fight was so large that it resulted in 14 players being ejected from the game and over 200 penalty minutes being handed out.
That same year, there was an infamous fight between the Rangers and Bruins that ended up going into the stands.
Bruins vs. Rangers (Goals & Brawl in Stands) – Dec 23, 1979
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp1x_2Iu5BQ
Another famous hockey fight occurred during a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders in 2011.
This fight was particularly brutal, with multiple punches being thrown and blood being drawn. As a result of this fight, several players were suspended and fined by the NHL.
Let’s take a look at some videos of the most epic hockey fights of all time.
This is why fighting is allowed in pro hockey
This gives an overview of why hockey rights are allowed in the first place.
They don’t allow them at other levels in hockey.
College players don’t fight.
If they do, there will be significant consequences and players are likely to get thrown off their teams.
Should fighting be allowed in the pro game?
Top 10 NHL Hockey Fights of All Time
NHL Dirtiest Hits of All Time
Sometimes hockey fights are a result of dirty hits or taking out another player.
NHL Blood Fights and Brawls Compilation
The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retribution in Ice Hockey
Like many sports, there’s a code of conduct in hockey.
Players generally abide by the rules to drop the gloves fairly and the fight ends once it goes to the ground.
No MMA goes on 🙂
NHL “Near Death” Moments
In any physical, violent sport, there are some scary moments.
Every old-school hockey fan remembers the classic Red Wings-Avalanche fight in March 1997.
Here is ESPN’s recounting of it with interviews from the players themselves.
When goalies start going at it, you know things are at another level.
The fight with the biggest storyline behind it was Darren McCarty’s payback on Claude Lemieux for the Kris Draper hit.
March 26, 1997 infamously became known as the Brawl in Hockeytown, Fight Night at the Joe, or Red Wing D-Day.
McCarty’s perspective:
The Wings and Avalanche had a sequel the next year, because why not?
Colorado Avalanche vs Detroit Red Wings Brawl – Roy vs Osgood – April 1, 1998 (NHL Classic)
Everybody loves goalie fights.
So let’s take a look at some more.
Chaos Ensues as Full Line Brawl Breaks Out Between Red Wings and Wild
Patrick Roy vs. Mike Vernon March 26, 1997
NHL Goalie Fight Compilation
Summary – Hockey Fights
Hockey fights are a part of the game that many fans enjoy watching.
These fights can provide a release for pent-up tension between players and can also be quite entertaining to watch.
If you’re a fan of hockey, then you’re sure to enjoy witnessing some of the most epic hockey fights in history.
