In the rough-and-tumble world of the ECHL, where scrappy play and fights are part of the game’s fabric, Friday night’s matchup between the Orlando Solar Bears and Greenville Swamp Rabbits showcased the league’s gritty side.

Photo credit: ECHL

As the clock wound down in the third period, tensions reached a boiling point, igniting a line brawl that raged on for nearly a minute. The melee resulted in multiple ejections, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

However, just when it seemed like tempers might cool, chaos erupted once again. A mere 36 seconds later, another line brawl erupted, intensifying an already heated contest. Despite the lack of video footage capturing the second skirmish, the impact was felt throughout the arena.

According to Joey Battaino, the voice of the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, a staggering total of 268 penalty minutes were doled out during the game, with 258 stemming from the two brawls alone. Orlando’s penalty tally of 139 minutes set a new single-game high for the 2023-24 season, highlighting the intensity of the clashes.

Looking ahead to their rematch on Saturday night, all eyes will be on whether any supplemental discipline will be handed down in the aftermath of Friday’s brawls. Fans eagerly anticipate whether tensions will carry over into the next game, adding another layer of anticipation to an already heated rivalry.