HOCKEY fans in Toronto witnessed what is being called the "fight of the year.". Toronto Maple Leafs star Ryan Reaves traded blows with Columbus Blue Jackets rival Mathieu Olivier. Reaves, 38, is known for being involved in fights during hockey games. Olivier, 27, also has a reputation for not shying away.
![[Ryan Reaves (75) of the Toronto Maple Leafs fighting Mathieu Olivier (24) of the Columbus Blue Jackets.]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/toronto-maple-leafs-ryan-reaves-965887791_3a9c98.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And it took less than two minutes of the game at Scotiabank Arena for them to be dragged into a brawl. The heavyweights swung punches at his rival as they went at it for almost a minute. And the pair were separated by officials after the fight ended in a stalemate.
![[Ryan Reaves (75) and Mathieu Olivier (24) fighting during an NHL hockey game.]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/toronto-maple-leafs-ryan-reaves-965886415.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Fighting is a common part of National Hockey League encounters. But it has slowly become less frequent in recent years. Toronto captain Auston Matthews was disappointed with the response from the crowd. He said, "Would've liked a little more energy from the crowd after that.
![[Two hockey players fighting on the ice, a referee watching.]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/75-toronto-maple-leafs-fights-965929841.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"It was a little quiet tonight, especially after two guys like that go at it. "But it was a great moment for him. I thought gave us some energy on the bench.". Columbus took advantage of the subdued atmosphere to score a huge 5-1 road win. Adam Fantilli, who grew up a 40-minute drive from Toronto, scored his first NHL hat trick.
![[Photo of a hockey fight between two players.]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24-columbus-blue-jackets-fights-965929844.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He said he had around 70 friends and family in attendance and footed a large bill for their tickets. "A lot of [my money] is gone now, so I’m just happy with the win,” Fantilli laughed. “It means the world to be able to do that in front of my friends and family, everybody made the trip out.
