If you take out an opposing goaltender in hockey, you’re all but guaranteed to be challenged in a fight.
Such was the case for Grand Rapids Griffins forward Dominik Shine, who was challenged by Joe Pendenza of the Cleveland Monsters’ after Shine bumped into goaltender Ivan Kulbakov.
Bad idea on Pendenza's part.
Although you have to give major credit to Pendenza for sticking up for his netminder after Shine cut through his crease, Pendenza never really stood a chance. The two exchanged a couple whacks before dropping the mitts, and Pendenza barely got his gloves off before falling to the ice after a couple of stern punches.
That’s a three-punch knock out for those scoring at home, although the first two is where the brunt of damage occurred.
If you needed to feel any worse for Pendenza, he was assessed a game misconduct for instigating the scrap in the final five minutes of the third period or overtime.
Shine was given two for goaltender interference, plus five minutes for fighting, and a one-game suspension.
Shine is a graduate from Northen Michigan University and is on an AHL contract with the Griffins. He’s potted four points in 20 games with the Griffins this season after compiling 97 points at 131 points in four seasons with the Wildcats.
Shine went full wild cat there, and don’t be surprised if Pendenza has a few "shiners" on his face after this one. The Griffins won the game 5-2.
(h/t YouTube/ MLive)
