Ice hockey is one of the fastest sports in the world. Likewise, it requires a certain amount of skill and guts; guts for getting ready to get punched in the face. While other sports don’t tolerate fist fighting, ice hockey takes the fan-level experience at arenas to another level. It is just a mix of both UFC and hockey. Thus, the latest incident showed exactly why the game is entertaining, nonetheless.
During the Minor League Hockey game between Rockford IceHogs and Milwaukee Admirals, two hockey players engaged in a fistfight that left a bloodied mess. Hence, it was a distressing sight to watch.
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Wild scenes at an ice hockey game
Mathieu Olivier went against Kurtis Gabriel in one of the most incredible fights of the year, that you will ever see in a hockey game. The two players dropped their gloved, brought each other close, and started going nuts with each other. They put some mixed martial arts fighters and boxers to share with some of their terrific punches. It was a full pumped fistfight until Olivier smashed Gabriel, leaving him with a cut.
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After around 30 seconds of intense fighting, the referees intervened, ending the matter as Olivier skated away, gloating at his achievement. Gabriel had his helmet covered in blood, as well as his jersey, hair, and eyebrows. It was just an incredible fight to watch.
MATHIEU OLIVIER – OH MY COD 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/v4ev2N8Ni0
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) March 12, 2022
However, the game ended with a victory for Gabriel’s team as the IceHogs won the game 4-3 in the penalty shootout. These duels are regular in ice hockey as they allow it to happen, adhering to a code.
Why is fighting allowed in Ice Hockey?
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Fighting in hockey has existed for almost a century. Rule 46 in the rulebook allows referees to decide penalties for the players after a fight. In 1922, the National Hockey League incorporated rule 56, which let ‘fisticuffs’, a legal part of the game. Hence, there have been some bloodied fights in the sport for years. Any player who fights will sit in the penalty box for five minutes and some say, ‘learn your lesson.’
Nothin to see here. 😳 pic.twitter.com/bXHjdDTU2I
— Inside Wisconsin (@InsideWiscoShow) March 12, 2022
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Hence, fighting is a major part of the game, with different incidents happening in recent times. However, this is one fight that will be etched in fans’ memories for the brutal pictures lit up on your television screens. But, there have been far worse ones too!
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