Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith Reportedly Involved in Skirmish at Practice

The two players had to be separated by assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews and defenseman Duncan Keith were reportedly involved in a scuffle during the team’s morning skate Tuesday at the United Center.

According to reporters at the rink, including Jimmy Greenfield of the Chicago Tribune and Scott King of NBC Sports Chicago, the two players engaged in a physical altercation during the workout before being separated by teammates and assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank:

It’s unclear what started the altercation, but after practice Toews dismissed concerns, calling it a bit of "friendly wrestling" before the team's final game prior to the All-Star break.

Greenfield shot this video of the tail end of the skirmish:

According to The Daily Herald’s John Dietz, Keith left the ice and went back to the locker room after the fight:

Blackhawks goaltender Robin Lehner, who was not participating in the optional morning skate, sent a reply to a tweet from Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, saying that he “loved” the display by his teammates:

Head coach Jeremy Colliton addressed the situation after practice, comparing the situation to a tussle between brothers.

"You got a brother? I do too," he said to reporters. "And I've got two boys at home. I've seen that movie before."

The Blackhawks will take on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, as former head coach Joel Quenneville makes his return to the United Center for the first time since being fired early last season.

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