Worst ice hockey fights, Ice hockey is a sport celebrated for its speed, skill, and physicality.
However, it’s also infamous for the intensity of its on-ice fights, which can erupt at any moment, leading to some of the most memorable and chaotic scenes in sports history.
While many fans and purists debate the place of fighting in hockey, there’s no denying that these brawls have etched themselves into the lore of the game. Here are some of the worst and most notorious ice hockey fights ever recorded.
The Good Friday Massacre (1984)
The Good Friday Massacre remains one of the most brutal and significant fights in NHL history. On April 20, 1984, during the playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques, tensions reached a boiling point. The game, held at the Montreal Forum, saw a series of brawls that involved almost every player on the ice.
The violence escalated after a first-period fight, and when the teams returned from intermission, a full-scale bench-clearing brawl ensued. Players, coaches, and officials struggled to restore order.
The game saw over 252 penalty minutes, and the chaos spilled into the dressing rooms. This incident is remembered not only for its violence but also for the intense rivalry between the two Quebec teams.
The Red Wings-Avalanche Brawl (1997)
Another notorious fight erupted on March 26, 1997, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. This feud had been brewing since the previous year’s playoffs, where Avalanche’s Claude Lemieux hit Red Wings’ Kris Draper from behind, causing severe injuries to Draper.
In the regular-season rematch, the bad blood boiled over. The highlight of the night was the fight between Darren McCarty of the Red Wings and Claude Lemieux. McCarty sought revenge for his teammate, and the game quickly descended into chaos, featuring multiple fights, including goalies worst ice hockey fights Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon going at it. This game is remembered as one of the most intense in hockey history, solidifying the Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry.
The St. Patrick’s Day Massacre (1991)
On March 17, 1991, the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues were involved in a fierce game that ended in an all-out brawl, now known as the St. Patrick’s Day Massacre. The violence started in the first period and escalated throughout the game.
With multiple players exchanging blows, the referees had a hard time maintaining control. By the end of the game, there were more than 12 worst ice hockey fights major fighting penalties handed out. This brawl is remembered for the sheer number of players involved and the prolonged intensity of the fighting.
Worst ice hockey fights
Bruins vs. Rangers Garden Brawl (1979)
One of the most infamous fights in NHL history occurred on December 23, 1979, between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. This fight is particularly notable because it spilled out into the stands. After a game full of minor skirmishes, the real trouble began when a Rangers fan stole a Bruins player’s stick.
In response, several Bruins players, including Mike Milbury, climbed into the stands to retrieve the stick and confront the fans. The sight of players fighting with fans was unprecedented and shocking. Milbury famously used the fan’s shoe to hit him, creating an unforgettable image. The incident led to stricter security measures in arenas.
The Flyers-Senators Brawl (2004)
On March 5, 2004, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Ottawa Senators engaged in one of the longest and most penalized fights in NHL history. Late in the game, with the Flyers leading comfortably, a fight broke out that quickly escalated into a series of brawls, including all players on the ice.
The referees handed out 419 penalty minutes, a record for the NHL. The game saw five separate brawls and left the penalty boxes overflowing. This fight is a testament to the Flyers’ “Broad Street Bullies” era reputation and the high emotions that can flare in hockey.
While the role of fighting in ice hockey is a topic of ongoing debate, these notorious brawls have become worst ice hockey fights an indelible part of the sport’s history.
They highlight worst ice hockey fights the intense rivalries, the passion of the players, and the sometimes uncontrollable nature of the game. For better or worse, these fights have left a lasting legacy and continue to be discussed by fans and historians of the sport.