Even goalies got into it in this bizarre bench-clearer. (USATSI)
Even goalies got into it during this bizarre bench-clearer. (YouTube)

The Polish Hockey League tends not to get much publicity in North America, but a particular bench-clearing incident from a recent game between KH Sanok and Podhale is sure to generate some interest. Really, anytime the benches clear during a fight, it’s newsworthy. It’s a rare enough occurrence now that it’s a popular item for hockey fans to gawk at and reminisce about some of their favorite scenes from “Slap Shot.”

But there's more than meets the eye in this bizarre moment from an obscure European league.

The whole incident takes on a different hue when you learn who one of the players involved was. Former NHLer, current KH Sanok and convicted felon Mike Danton (No. 34 in black) took issue with one of his players being hit from behind and his retaliation brought more from the Podhale players as the fisticuffs erupted near their bench.

Danton, who spent 65 months in jail following a conviction on conspiracy to commit murder charges, pulled the Podhale player that delivered a hard hit on Jordan Knox away from the bench and laid a few haymakers before being escorted away by an official. 

The goalies eventually got into, too. Meanwhile, instead of fighting with each other, the rest of the players already scattered on the ice just stood around and watched the goalies go at it, because they like goalie fights just as much as anyone else, apparently.

The goalies ended up hugging it out later. No, really. They did. It was kind of weird how that whole thing started anyway.

Danton would appear to be one of the main culprits in the big fight that sparked everything else. Given his reputation, he's an easy target for scorn.

After the game, Danton caught wind of some negative comments about his role in the fight and took to his own Facebook page to defend himself (via Puck Daddy):

BEFORE you watch this video of last nights game against Podhale (in yellow) there are a couple things I would like to say. I have been reading a lot of comments regarding my actions last night.

People (clearly, not hockey knowledgable people) are stating that I am a violent person ... I spent 7-8 years in prison (which is incorrect) ... that my "violent nature" hasn't improved since my years in prison ... and that I shouldn't be allowed to play my style in Europe.

Here is a break down of what happened last night (and you can judge for yourself while watching the video).

Jordan Knox (91 - in black) was hit from behind close to their bench. I came in to stick up for him, as any good teammate would do. Once I grabbed the player that hit Knoxy from behind, about 5-7 players on Podhale's BENCH began to punch me in the face, stick me in the face and slash me over the helmet with their sticks (later, I was told by my teammates that their COACH was instructing his players on the bench to attack me). So, I dropped my gloves and began to fight with the instigating player.

Due to the fact I was receiving countless blows from their bench, I pulled the player away from the bench and began to show him what happens when you hit someone from behind and then pick a fight with someone that you shouldn't have.

Was I mad? Yes! Angry? Yes! Why? Oh, maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was fighting 7 players (6 of them on the bench) at the same time.

Therefore, all of you "knowledgable hockey fans" that stated I was violent and, once again, the bad guy in all of this ... get your head out of your [expletive], look at the evidence and shut your mouths. Actions create consequences.

Bottom line is: you hit someone from behind or stick them in the face or start a fight with someone, you better be ready to get in a fight. Live by the sword and die by the sword. Hope you enjoy the video, I did! 

Danton has been trying to resurrect his career and his life since he got out of prison five years ago. He was convicted of trying to hire a hitman to kill his agent David Frost while Danton was a member of the St. Louis Blues. His criminal record has prevented him from playing professionally in certain leagues due to visa issues and he’s technically not allowed back in the United States.

After prison, Danton played two seasons at St. Mary's University in Canada before embarking on the next phase of his pro career in Europe. He's seen time in leagues in Sweden, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and now Poland.

Now 33 and a father of one, Danton is in his second season with the Polish club and helped lead the team to the league title last year.

In an interview with SI.com before the season, Danton spoke about the misconceptions that continue to follow him:

“[Misconceptions are] that I’m actually a bad guy, and a violent, crazy, psycho-killer person, when I’m the complete opposite. I just wish people would take time, get to know me, and make decisions after that. If you still think I’m the crazy, psycho-killer guy, that’ll be your opinion. The type of person I am today is different from 10 years ago. Now I recognize the good and the bad.”

That would definitely explain his urgency to defend himself in the wake of negative comments.

As for the game, it was called after the bench-clearer with Sanok leading 3-0 just more than halfway through the game. 

(h/t Puck Daddy)