Chris Neil in fight when he was a Senator.

From Bleacher Report – Ranking The Top 100 Toughest Fights

Ahhh hockey fights….. They are for sure a much loved part of the sport whether we want to admit it or not. I came across this list of tough guys in the NHL over the years and the best to ever step on the ice rink. You have what is called GOONS, something not spoken of much today with all of the finesse that seems to be the theme in most Hockey clubs. However you still need a BAD ASS on your team to take it there if you need to. The penalty box still is used and exist. Many players have lost teeth, be gashed open & broke bones as well. I remember seeing my first fight back in the Igloo aka Civic Arena in Pittsburgh back in the early 90’s. It was the Penguins hosting the Blackhawks and an all out bench brawl ensued outta no where!! It was comical at the same time rough and tumble fighting. Of course some years later they stopped allowing bench clearing brawls all together which I was fine with but it would be fun to see again. It always blows me away how they can still fight while on ice and on ICE SKATES!! There have been more critics coming out over the past few years suggesting to ban it from Hockey but I really hope it never happens. I don’t see it as a big widespread issue much these days. Most of the fans really understand the game much better than years ago when it was new in the U.S. The style of play and skill level out there is also changing the game more each year. Championships can be won by a great tough defense and a superb goalie but it will not be won by a fist fight. At least not yet!! (U never know?!)