The NHL is really, really gonna hate me for this. A while back I had a job interview with them and they told me that one condition was if I worked for them, I could not promote hockey fights in any way. They can consider this my response.
For the true fan, fighting is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable aspects of the game. It brings the crowd to its feet, and other than ridiculous saves and eye-popping goals, it's the only part of any hockey game you'll ever see on SportsCenter.
As long as it's done fairly by two willing participants, I think it will always have a place in the game. (I'm not talking about cases where a goon grabs the other team's best player and beats the crap out of him, because there's no place for that in any sport.)
With that in mind, and with major thank-yous to YouTube and HockeyFights.com, I researched the top 10 hockey fights of the 2007-08 season so far.
I'll post the Top 10 in two installments, starting with numbers 6 through 10. I'll post the rest tomorrow afternoon at around 1 p.m. Enjoy!
10) December 6, 2007 Andrew Ladd vs. Shane O'Brien -- This is an impressive bout in terms of the fury and the number of punches thrown, but you don't get the sense a lot of them landed. Still a great watch.
9) February 16, 2008 Curtis Glencross vs. Mike Weaver -- The Oilers trail by two with less than 10 seconds to play. Since they can't tie it up conventionally, they decide to even the score the old-fashioned way. Canucks defenseman Mike Weaver pays the price, although he does land an impressive rabbit punch on Glencross.
8) February 2, 2008 George Parros vs. Riley Cote -- The two heavyweights exchange punches before Anaheim's George Parros shakes free and delivers the best KO punch of the season.
7) March 2, 2008 Jesse Boulerice vs. Colton Orr -- It's a late-season divisional matchup and enforcers from both teams decide to throw fisticuffs. Not one for the faint of heart.
6) November 25, 2007 Eric Godard vs. D.J. King -- Islanders fans will fondly recall Godard's days patrolling the ice in Uniondale. Now he's a Flame, and he gets involved in an energetic bout with the Blues' D.J. King. Unfortunately, it turns into a hugfest in the end.
If you enjoyed this blog, please send me an e-mail to let me know. And check out some cool hockey fights photos.
Comments (13)
Hockey fights rule! You go, Mike Casey!
The team brawl at the Islanders/Rangers preseason game this year should make this list.
JD,
That's a fair point. That was a fun one, but unfortunately I did not consider preseason games for this list.
Cool fights.
Being that hockey fans enjoy the fights that is why the NHL does not want to promote them?
Thats why the NHL is most watched, now I understand.
Bring back Simon!
Rangers suck!
Wow, I think the Parros fight was the best. Always great to see a Flyer get knocked out, plus his mustache is awesome.
Great collection of fights, thanks!
IT WAS RUFF SEEING TWO PHLIAR STIFFS, COTE & BOWL-OF-RICE GET THEIR TAILS KICKED. IN THE LAST COMMENT OF THE PARROS - COTE MATCH THE PLAY BY PLAY GUY MISQUOTES HOWARD COSELL SAYING "DOWN GOES LISTON"
AS IN CASSIUS CLAY K.O.-ING SONNY LISTON BUT HOWARDS' FAMOUS QUOTE REALLY WAS "DOWN GOES FRAZIER" IN THE FOREMAN VS FRAZIER FIGHT IN 1971. YOU KNOW BOXING IS IN TROUBLE WHEN THEIR ARE MUCH BETTER FIGHTS IN THE NHL !
I think Shawn Thornton has been one of the best this season,although not the most active.
Personally, I would have tossed in Zdeno Chara busting up David Koci's face. Maybe we'll see it if you guys follow this up with the Top 10 Most Hilarious Fight Mismatches.
Pretty sure Cote's knockout of Andre Roy in their second fight last night is far and away the KO punch of the year.
Thornton vs. Cote should be number 1.
Shelley vs. Cote was another entertaining bout.
Lucic has had some good ones this year...