Post-game Blaze-Panthers brawl to be investigated

Coventry and Nottingham’s mass brawl which ended their Elite League contest on Sunday night is to be investigated by head referee Moray Hanson.

Officials tried to break up the tussle, which lasted for over a minute, but further analysis of video will help determine whether any action will be taken.

Panthers’ defenceman Joe Grimaldi reportedly threw a punch as he skated down the line after their 5-3 victory at the SkyDome.

The bluetouch paper was then lit sparking the scenes on the ice; Coventry winger Adam Henrich had to be held back by three officials to stop him confronting Grimaldi.

(Fan footage post-game: iOptixCoUk/YouTube)

140 minutes of penalties were handed out to five players in all – three from Coventry and two to Nottingham.

Grimaldi is automatically banned for one game, whlst Blaze’s Matt Selby will also miss their next fixture.

Whether that will be the end of the matter, only Hanson will make judgement on that, after studying both the footage available and taking into consideration referee Michael Hicks’ report.