For almost as long as the game has been around, fights have been a part of hockey – no matter how much the leagues might want to get them out of the sport. And that was certainly true this week as during a women’s hockey game between Romania and Bulgaria in Europe this week, there was an absolutely massive fight that’s since gone viral on social media.
On Sunday afternoon, Hockey Worldwide shared the video of a benches-clearing brawl between Bulgaria and Romania that erupted as time expired during the Division 3 Group A 4th place game of the women’s hockey world championship.
“BENCH CLEARING BRAWL AT THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP D3A BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA,” Hockey Worldwide said in a tweet. “554 penalty minute game.”
BENCH CLEARING BRAWL AT THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP D3A BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA 🇷🇴🇧🇬
554 penalty minute game.
🎥: Taylor Cheng on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/Qg2lRyDkHU
— Hockey Worldwide (@H0ckeyWorldwide) April 9, 2023
Hockey Worldwide explained the situation in a little more detail in some follow-up tweets.
“In the final game host Romania played Bulgaria to determine 4th place. Romania erupted for 7 goals in the third period to win 10-2 in what was already a chippy game. Bulgaria had 2 game misconducts throughout the match and a fighting penalty,” Hockey Worldwide explained in a tweet. “19 players were given 25 minute penalties while Romania also was assessed a 20 minute penalty for abuse of officials. Of course with the tournament being over it means nothing, but we’ll see if the IIHF assesses suspensions for further tournaments.”
19 players were given 25 minute penalties while Romania also was assessed a 20 minute penalty for abuse of officials. Of course with the tournament being over it means nothing, but we’ll see if the IIHF assesses suspensions for further tournaments.
— Hockey Worldwide (@H0ckeyWorldwide) April 9, 2023
It was an absolutely wild scene and the video has since gone totally viral on social media with plenty of sports fans reacting to the insane fight.
Thinking I might dust off the skates, get a passport and join my Team Bulgaria squad 👀🇧🇬💪 https://t.co/iHltCx2vYR
— Ailish Forfar (@ailishforfar) April 11, 2023
There's no fighting in women's hockey they say https://t.co/EaRxvM2ps3
— Stacey Abrams for Conn Smythe: A Hockey Podcast (@saucyrockets) April 9, 2023
I'm almost 50 but I feel confident that I could make the Bulgarian national team. There are a lot of two foot snowplow stops in this 'fight'. I'd also be the team's best fighter. 🤣🍻🔥 https://t.co/YGbWCaesKo
— 🏒originaltammy🏒 (@OriginalTammy) April 9, 2023
This was not on my Women's Worlds bingo card. https://t.co/fPjtXkdqoh
— YHH (@YouthHockeyHub) April 10, 2023
These women aren't from #Canada. Our women will have an opponents helmet off & her jersey torn down around her arms forming cuffs on the wrists in 15 seconds flat. She'll then use that as leverage holding it firmly with her left hand whilst throwing right hooks. #Hockey https://t.co/z0rT6EPIkm
— Uber Rock JDB🐻⬇️ (@Toronto1) April 10, 2023
The orange goalie, y'all… https://t.co/my9iTnctOu
— Лёня (@ethics13) April 10, 2023
No matter who’s playing it or where it’s played, hockey is still hockey.
