Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield brutally slammed Connor McMichael to the ice Wednesday in a reckless takedown, prompting outrage from hockey fans.
The fight began like any other, with both players dropping gloves and trading blows, but tensions escalated when their helmets came off, and Chatfield executed what many fans are calling a dirty UFC-style takedown. The third-period brawl was played back in slow motion by several outlets, and the video appeared to show Chatfield using his leg to trip McMichael before throwing him down on the ice. The slow-motion playback exposed the dangers of the takedown and seemed to capture McMichael’s head hitting the ice.
Video playback of the altercation showed McMichael placing his hand at the back of his head moments after he was thrown down.
Social media immediately erupted with comments from angry fans condemning Chatfield’s actions.
Both players received five-minute majors and 10-minute misconducts, and were dismissed from the game. McMichael ended up getting an extra two-minute minor for roughing.
Watch until the end.
Dirty play? Or just part of the game? pic.twitter.com/0kekBXVCiv
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) April 3, 2025
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button called for Chatfield to be suspended for the takedown.
“This is a dangerous play,” Button said.
“It’s an intent to injure play, there’s no room for it. The fact that Connor McMichael didn’t get any type of an injury on this, that in of itself is good fortune… The way he whips him around over his leg, I think it has to be a suspension,” Button said.
“There’s no place for that in this sport of hockey.” (RELATED: Justin Bieber Gets Into On-Ice Brawl With Former NHL Player Jeremy Roenick)
Breakaway reported Thursday that Chatfield will not face further disciplinary measures.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
