When rivalries get too bitter, brawls grow uglier. This is exactly what happened in a faceoff between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings on 26th march 1997. Recalling this unforgettable fight, NHL player Kris Draper finally disclosed the gory details which still give us goosebumps.

Kris Draper disclosed these lesser-known details about the popular brawl in the year 2017. Since he was actively involved in the brawl while playing for the Detroit Red Wings, his perspective becomes more important. Draper also revealed the unbelievable aftermath of the brawl. Let’s find out more.

NHL Player Kris Draper’s version of what led to the 1997 hockey brawl and his version of the 1997 brawl

The hockey player narrated an incident where Claude Lemieux knocked Draper from behind in 1996. This took place in the sixth game of the 1996 Western Conference Finals. ‘I saw blood on the ice”, Draper remarked, remembering how he blacked out. Later, Draper related, “Most people think that the feud started when I broke my face in Game 6. But it started way before that. From the first drop of the puck of Game 1, guys were taking runs, slashing, grabbing, sucker punching, you name it.” 

Trending

Khamzat Chimaev’s Setback Will Force Dana White to Hand Robert Whittaker a Title Shot, Claims Former UFC Champ – “There’s No Other Way Around It”

May 14, 2024 07:38 AM EDT

Patrick Mahomes’ NFL Commitment Frustrates Randi Mahomes as Mom Admits Lack of Family Time With Chiefs QB

May 14, 2024 03:35 AM EDT

“Heart Is Breaking”: Gymnastics World Saddened by Yet Another Athlete Falling Prey to ACL Injury

May 12, 2024 06:54 AM EDT

Joe Rogan Sums Up Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul in One Line

May 11, 2024 06:53 PM EDT

Randi Mahomes Makes Bittersweet Admission Before Asking Patrick Mahomes to Call Her

May 14, 2024 02:55 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Read More: One of the Most Brutal NHL Brawls Had Players Marching Into the Stands With Skates Back in 1979

Draper elaborated how Darren McCarthy began to hit Lemieux who tried to shield himself. Soon, Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon left their nets to join the fight. However, Brendan Shanahan came into Patrick Roy’s path suddenly, causing them both to be badly impacted. Later, Draper recounted how Darren McCarthy started dragging Lemieux towards the Detroit Red Wings’ side. 

Draper further revealed how he was also blamed for the incident. “In the middle of all this pandemonium, Marc Crawford, the Avs coach, is yelling at me, “You started all this, Draper!” On hearing these words, Scotty Bowman forbade the coach from talking with his team. The icing on the cake after this brawl was that the Detroit Red Wings beat the Colorado Avalanche in the match.

Later Kris also narrated his frank views about Claude Lemieux. He also talked about a strange incident where he once again met Lemieux and the surprising aftermath of the meeting.

Kris Draper’s statements about Claude Lemieux after the unforgettable rivalry 

Draper stated that he did not speak to Lemieux after the incident. Continuing, he expressed, “Even if I didn’t like him very much, I actually respected how clutch he was as a player.” This reflects how the incident of the hit still affects Draper’s views of Lemieux. 

Afterwards, Draper related an incident where Claude met Draper and his whole family. What Claude did, both surprised Draper and made him feel glad. “Claude politely introduced himself to my whole family, and shook everybody’s hand”, Draper remarked. The fact that both hockey players were able to shake hands after their bitter rivalry shows their true sportsmanship spirit. 

Watch This Story: Here’s a Quick Look at Top Homes Owned by NHL Players  

Draper’s version of the events depicts how both Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche violently settled the brawl. What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments section.