Today In NHL History - Rob Ray Fights Fan

On April 14th in 1992, Rob Ray of the Buffalo Sabres pummeled a 21 year old fan who, apparently acting on a bet, elected to jump into the visitors bench at Le Colisée in the dying seconds of a game against the Quebec Nordiques.
Amazingly, the fan survived some 17 or 18 direct blows from the NHL's 6th all-time regular season penalty minutes leader (3,207) before police broke up the melee. Rayzor escaped criminal charges and league suspension that night though his team couldn't avoid a 7-3 loss.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Tie Domi Fights Fan

On March 29th in 2001, Tie Domi of the Toronto Maple Leafs pummeled Philadelphia Flyers fan Chris Falcone who, upon being sprayed with water by the bruiser, banged his way through the plexiglass into the penalty box.

Falcone required stitches in his forehead and Domi received a $1000 fine from the league. Toronto beat Philadelphia that night 2-1.

That's today in NHL history.

* See also Today In NHL History - Domi Elbows Niedermayer.

Today In NHL History - Harry Neale Fights Fan

On March 20th in 1982, Vancouver Canucks head coach Harry Neale traded punches with Nordiques fan Pierre Fournel in response to an attack against Tiger Williams, resulting in several players entering the stands at Le Colisée before police restored order.

Punished with a 10 game suspension for the fisticuffs, assistant coach Roger Neilson guided the team to an undefeated record (9-0-1) during Neale's absence and remained behind the bench for the duration of the club's unprecedented playoff run, leading the Cinderella Canucks all the way to their franchise first Stanley Cup Final.

Vancouver was ultimately swept by the New York Islanders in the Final.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Ted Leonsis Attacks Fan

On January 25th in 2004, Washington Capitals owner and AOL executive Ted Leonsis attacked season ticket holder Jason Hammer, grabbing his neck and throwing him to the ground, in response to the fan's game long heckling and insulting sign "Caps Hockey; AOL Stock -- See a Pattern?".

Embarrassed by the outburst Leonsis apologized to Hammer the next day and the pair agreed to move past the melee. Weeks later Hammer (second from left) was seen enjoying a home game with Leonsis.
NHL Commissioner Bettman was less forgiving electing to suspend Leonsis for one week and fine the Capitals $100,000, noting "Even in those cases when there were instances of alleged provocation, we have made it clear that NHL personnel need to do everything possible to avoid a confrontation with fans and the failure to do so is not acceptable."

Philadelphia beat Washington that night by a score of 4-1. It was the Capitals first home game since trading away superstar Jaromir Jagr.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Milbury Beats Fan

On December 23rd in 1979, bruising blueliner Mike Milbury of the Boston Bruins followed Terry O'Reilly and others into the MSG stands following a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers engaging fans with fisticuffs. What occured next is best described with moving pictures. O'Reilly received an eight game suspension for leading the charge with Mad Mike collecting a mere pair for beating a fan with his own shoe. It remains the most memorable moment of his 12 season playing career.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Barnaby Fights Fan

On December 20th in 2000, Pittsburgh Penguins bruiser Matthew Barnaby exited BankAtlantic Center after an unsuccessful bout with behemoth Pete Worrell when an elderly Florida Panthers fan began hurling obscenities.

Rather than ignoring the unpleasantries, Barnaby engaged the senior grabbing his arm and attempting to drag him through the railing. Releasing before the situation escalated, Barnaby was nonetheless suspended four games for the indiscretion surrendering $53,658 in pay.

The Penguins and Panthers played to a 2-2 tie that night.

That's today in NHL history.