Bertuzzi Sucker Punches Steve Moore (2004)

Todd Bertuzzi's blindside punch on Steve Moore remains the most vicious assault in NHL history—surpassing even Marty McSorley's 2000 attack on Donald Brashear in terms of career-ending consequences. Bertuzzi sucker-punched Moore from behind during a March 2004 game, driving Moore's face into the ice and fracturing three cervical vertebrae. The attack ended Moore's professional hockey career permanently, with 0 games played after that date. This act is 100% more destructive than a typical fighting major, and Bertuzzi received a 17-month suspension and over $350,000 in fines, making it one of the costliest penalties ever assessed by the league. The incident stands as a stark reminder that physical retaliation has no place in sports.