Two KHL coaches brawled in the middle of a preseason game
In Russia, the term "coach's challenge" has a much different meaning.
That much was learned over the weekend when two KHL hockey coaches went head-to-head in a battle of fisticuffs between the benches. Evgeni Popikhin, head coach of Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (nope, not a typo), took on Torpedo Nizhy-Novgorod coach -- and former NHL goaltender -- Peter Skudra.
It's always wild when two coaches get angry enough to go at each other with violent intent, but it's even crazier when it happens during the middle of a preseason game. Yes, a preseason game. Not exactly a whole lot on the line here.
And it wasn't exactly the heavyweight bout of the century, either. The fight basically consisted of some intense shoving followed by some of the most mediocre punches you'll ever see thrown.
Tough break for the poor cameraman who was stuck in the middle of that embarrassing spectacle.
As you might expect, the two coaches were ejected from the game following the scuffle. It's hard to say they got their money's worth when no punches really connected.
Luckily for them, the fact that it was a meaningless preseason game means they could afford to get tossed without it coming back to hurt their squad, and also that they've got plenty of time to work on their form and come out swinging when the games actually count.
