The two young kids were clearly trying to make an impression on their general managers by showing their physicality by squaring up to fight within the first 5 minutes. Clattenburg and Bell through bombs back and forth at one another in a wild and clearly inexperienced fight. Bell laid some forceful punches on Clattenburg, but the Oilers rookie stood his ground and fed Bell enough uppercuts to knock him down.
One fan cam caught the best angle possible of Clattenburg delivering the finisher uppercut. Moments later, the Oilers took the lead.
Clattenburg is a 19 year old center, selected by the Oilers in the 5th round of last year's Draft. The Oilers certainly went off the board to take him, as he only scored 13 goals and 29 points in 60 games in the OHL this season. In the 2022-23 season with the Soo Greyhounds, Clattenburg had an insane 115 Penalty Minutes in 56 games.
Oilers prospect experts have called Clattenburg the most questionable pick of the Oilers last draft, but perhaps the team is looking to stock up on some physical players like him in the late rounds. The fact that he's ready and willing to drop the gloves in the first 5 minutes shows he knows the role he wants to take to make the NHL. For now, he just needs to make a good impression and make the jump to the AHL.
Source for Clattenburg Stats: PuckPedia - Connor Clattenburg
POLL | ||
15 SEPTEMBRE | 1 ANSWERS Oilers prospect knocks down Flames prospect with repeat uppercuts in fight Do you think Clattenburg will make the NHL? | ||
Yes, Oilers could use a fighter | 0 | 0 % |
No, not an NHL talent | 0 | 0 % |
See Results | 0 | 0 % |
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