Articles / John Tortorella once tried to fight one of his own players

John Tortorella once tried to fight one of his own players

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The Hockey Beast
Jun 8, 2025 11:12 AM

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John Tortorella, known for his fiery personality and intense coaching style, once found himself in a rather controversial situation that almost turned physical with one of his own players. During his time with the New York Rangers, Tortorella had a heated confrontation with forward Brandon Dubinsky, culminating in a rather unexpected plan: he tried to initiate a fight with Dubinsky during practice. The moment remains a testament to Tortorella's demanding nature and his drive for player accountability.

This incident reflects Tortorella's belief that players must always be held to high standards, not only in their performance on the ice but also in their attitude. His coaching style, often described as abrasive, aims to push players to their limits and foster a winning mentality. The confrontation with Dubinsky, though not typical of standard coaching methods, highlights the unique ways Tortorella tries to motivate his players.

Ultimately, such incidents have helped carve Tortorella's reputation as one of the NHL's most colorful figures. While fans and analysts alike have debated the effectiveness of his approach, it's clear that he has left a lasting mark on the teams he's coached, including his strategies that sometimes involve unconventional practices to get the most out of players.

For Tortorella, moments like these serve as reminders that success in the NHL often requires a tough love approach. While it may raise eyebrows, it undeniably adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics of the team, emphasizing the mental toughness required at the highest levels of hockey.