Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi were two professional ice hockey players who were involved in a controversial incident during an NHL game on February 16, 2004.
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The incident took place during a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche. During the game, Steve Moore, a forward for the Avalanche, delivered a controversial hit on Canucks captain Markus Naslund, which left him with a concussion.
No penalty was assessed, and the league decided not to fine or suspend Moore, ruling the hit legal.
Todd Bertuzzi, a forward for the Canucks, was incensed by Moore’s hit on Naslund and sought revenge during the game. With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Bertuzzi grabbed Moore from behind and punched him in the head.
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Todd Bertuzzi then drove Moore’s head into the ice, causing a severe concussion, broken vertebrae in his neck, and facial lacerations. Moore was taken off the ice on a stretcher and was hospitalized for three days.
The incident resulted in criminal charges being filed against Bertuzzi, who pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm.
Todd Bertuzzi was also suspended from the NHL for the remainder of the 2003-04 season, which included the playoffs, and the entire 2004-05 season.
Moore’s injuries were severe, and he was forced to retire from professional hockey due to the long-term effects of the attack.
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