Five on Friday

Five fights took place on Friday night. Two of them came from an anticipated matchup between the Flyers and Ducks, who both have lingered around the top of the team fighting major totals for the couple of seasons.

Riley Cote took on George Parros for the first time since Parros dropped Cote last year in a bout that was spent mostly grappling in close quarters while Josh Gratton and Steve Montador did much of the same seconds later.

Friday’s other scraps saw Jared Boll and Chris Stewart go at it in the first period of Jackets-Avs, Mike Brown step up a weight class to take on Eric Boulton, and Tom Kostopoulos battle David Clarkson in a wild one.

Sanderson Dies From Head Trauma

Don Sanderson, a 21-year-old defenseman for the Whitby Dunlops of the Ontario Hockey Association, has passed away from injuries suffered after hitting his head on the ice following a fight during a December 12 game. We all send our condolences to the Sanderson family at this time.

Bob McKenzie of TSN has written a heart-felt piece that all hockey fans, and parents, can probably agree with.

Videos added

Josh Gratton vs Steve Montador Jan 2, 2009
Riley Cote vs George Parros Jan 2, 2009
Jared Boll vs Chris Stewart Jan 2, 2009
Mike Brown vs Eric Boulton Jan 2, 2009
Tom Kostopoulos vs David Clarkson Jan 2, 2009

Some reads

Original Six final four?
Lucic rediscovers his calling the hard way
Weight reaches 1,000-point mark
Flyers pursuing Happy Valley Winter Classic next year
Healthy Comrie becomes scoring threat again