I Still Owe That Guy One!

First off, a very Merry Christmas to all! I am hoping Santa is nice to you all.

I was looking over transactions the other day, when I saw Brad Norton had signed with Binghamton in the AHL. The very next day he had a fight. It reminded me of the time that I fought him in a Men’s League. Well, more accurately, he used my face as a punching bag in a Men’s League.

I don’t remember exactly when it was, but it was the early ’90’s. I was playing for some horrible team, and Norton was playing for the best team in the league. They were killing us. I think it was 256-1. Seriously, it was that bad. Near the middle of the third period, I’m trying to skate my lane, and let time run off the clock. No more, no less. One of my guys got buried from behind down low in the corner. It was a wicked cheap shot, and was totally uncalled for. The guy that got hit, jumped up, and got the gloves off. That’s where it all started. Next thing you know, everyone is in on it, sticks down, gloves off. I was at the top of the face-off circle, when I see this guy trying to get into the fray. Now, I didn’t exactly see who it was, and I didn’t care. I dropped my gloves, and grabbed him. He turns around and his gloves come off. It is at this point I said, and I think it was out loud, "Oh shit, I got the wrong fucking guy!" I was committed so I couldn’t stop there. I tried to get my hands up, but Brad’s reach did me in. He starts unloading on me with a series of rights that felt like cannon balls. I lost track after 5 shots to the noggin. Apparently, I can take a punch, because I was still on my feet. After about 5 or 6 bombs from Norton, I start saying "Brad, Brad, Brad! Don’t you think you’ve had enough!?" He and I knew each other a little bit from playing against each other as kids. He let me go, and I went to the ice. He was standing over me laughing, and I was trying to not look hurt. I would hazard to say, it may have been the most one sided fight in history. So, to all those guys in the AHL, watch out for this kid’s right. Merry Christmas all!