Simon Benoit lands Superman punch in heated fight with Michael Kesselring

The NHL is familiar with violent altercations, but Toronto Maple Leafs' Simon Benoit upped the ante in a recent game against the Arizona Coyotes. In an impassioned match, Benoit went toe-to-toe with defenseman Michael Kesselring and initiated the fight with a frenzied Superman punch—one of the least common and most shocking plays in hockey brawls.

The brawl started the instant off the faceoff, indicating that the two players had planned out the brawl. The moment the puck was dropped, Benoit was not one to waste time, charging forward and flying into the air with a Superman punch—a counterintuitive move more familiar in mixed martial arts than in the NHL. The surprise move left Kesselring flailing about, but he quickly recovered, and the two swapped blows in a wild flurry of punches.
Both players exchanged hard shots, with Benoit being aggressive and Kesselring standing his ground and firing back with counterpunches. The crowd erupted as the two defensemen exchanged punches before the officials intervened to stop the fight.
Superman punches are extremely rare in hockey altercations, as players tend to rely on standard stand-up punches while skating on skates. Benoit's aggressive action quickly became the topic of fans' and analysts' discussion, comparing him to great NHL enforcers who were famous for their flashy and unorthodox methods.

Even with the fights dwindling in the modern NHL, instances like these remind fans why old-school ruggedness is still welcome in the sport. Benoit, a defenseman famous for his tough body of work, added another career highlight to his resume with this jaw-dropping play.
After the battle, social media went into a frenzy of responses. Leafs supporters complimented Benoit's grit, and others wondered if the Superman punch was a dangerous move that might have had a different outcome. Analysts discussed whether this kind of fighting would become more prevalent or if it was an impulsive act.
Also Read: Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program terms
No matter what people's opinions are, one thing is for sure: Benoit's Superman punch will be remembered by hockey fans forever. It was a moment that captured the raw power, unpredictability, and thrill that make the NHL so exciting to watch.