Huge fight breaks out at rookie showdown between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers

Whether you have an interest or not in these NHL rookie games, there's no doubt about it there's a tremendous amount of fire on the ice, with big fights occurring.

Puck drop and the Battle of Alberta ignited once again, but in this case, it wasn't the dazzling NHL stars duking it out, but the rookies instead. In a prospect tournament where future Oilers and Flames hopefuls were looking to make their mark, the rivalry was as fierce as ever. This might not have been the high-profile showdown many fans are accustomed to, but to the players on the ice, it meant everything.

It took just a few minutes into the first period for things to get heated. Prospects Parker Bell and Connor Clattenberg decided to drop the gloves at center ice, treating the fans to a heavyweight brawl. In a game designed to showcase their talents, these two were ready to show they could bring more than just finesse to their respective clubs.

There was no feeling-out process as both big men came out swinging, engaging in a furious give-and-take affair. That is, until it ended when Clattenberg caught Bell with a solid right hook sending him crashing to the ice. Both are huge prospects as each stands 6'4" with Clattenberg weighing 195 lbs and Bell several pounds lighter at 192 lbs. On paper, it shaped up to be a fairly even match, but Clattenberg got the better of this affair.

While the physicality stole the show, these were more than fights. Both Parker Bell and Connor Clattenberg have earned their keep, each in his own fashion, finally standing up and getting noticed to prove that they have what it takes to make it in the big league. Every minute counts with any young guns, and last night was no exception. It was definitely a statement that they're ready for the next level.

Source: Blades of SteelParker Bell and Connor Clattenberg drop the gloves at centre ice in a heavyweight tilt

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