Gary Roberts looks back on near-fight with Kris Draper in 2017 alumni game
Even after they’ve retired, it’s no surprise hockey players maintain their same competitiveness and fire.
Even after they’ve retired, it’s no surprise hockey players maintain their same competitiveness and fire.
Gary Roberts joined The JD Bunkis Show Thursday and shared some details about his near-fight with Kris Draper in the 2017 NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game.
The Maple Leafs and Red Wings alumni faced off outside at a rink on BMO Field in Toronto. Emotions were high, especially in the third frame with the score tied at three, and Roberts wasn’t about to let Draper get off easy after some checking in the corner.
Draper grabbed Roberts by the head, and their entanglement escalated as it looked like the two could drop their gloves.
“I just finished Draper a little bit in the corner then he grabs me by the head and starts squishing my head in the corner,” Roberts explained. “I was ready to go there’s no doubt.”
The fight was avoided, but Roberts has yet to make another alumni game appearance.
“If you look at those lineups it could have been a really messy brawl,” Roberts said. “I haven’t played in one since, so maybe that’s a message to me.”
