During training camp, tensions can be high as players look to show their competitive nature during drills in hopes of securing a roster spot for themselves. Sometimes, the spirit of competition can lead to frustration, anger, and even physical altercations. Such was the case for Domi and Benoit on Friday.
According to the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby, Domi and Benoit were fired up following an intense drill, and ended up in a wrestling match during day two of the on-ice sessions in Group B. Thankfully, he also confirmed that the two feisty Leafs talked it out and are back on friendly terms.
The situation appears to have been resolved between the pair even before they talked it out, as Domi was quick to provide stick taps for Benoit as he led the stretches to close out the session.
Benoit addressed the altercation following his first session back after the birth of his first child. The rugged defenseman missed day one of camp to be present for his baby girl's birth. He joked that he was simply trying to show Domi his newfound "dad strength".
All things considered, incidents like these are not always a sign of friction or a disconnect in the locker room. Sometimes it's simply just two competitive players going about their business and giving their entire heart and soul to the game they love. Sometimes tensions can boil over, but when the resolutions are swift, it's a pretty good sign that it's all just water under the bridge for two competitors who leave it all out on the ice for their team.
Benoit has been skating with Timothy Liljegren during training camp, while Domi has drawn the assignment of flanking William Nylander as he transitions to center, along with veteran forward Calle Jarnkrok on the opposite wing.
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 2022 ANSWERS Max Domi and Simon Benoit Have Heated Post-Drill Altercation at Leafs Training Camp Will Max Domi score 20 goals this season on Nylander's wing? | ||
Yes | 1601 | 79.2 % |
No | 335 | 16.6 % |
15 tops | 86 | 4.3 % |
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