Throwback! 1990 Brawl Between Tri-City Americans and Seattle Fans

During a 1990 playoff game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and the upstart Tri-City Americans, a brawl ensued that would have unprecedented ramifications.

From the start of the game, Seattle fans were throwing verbal insults and beer at the Americans bench.

12,075 packed the house - at the time a WHL playoff game record.

As the abuse continued throughout the game, finally Coach Rick Kozuback had enough. At 4:08 in the third period, an ugly stick-swinging brawl began on the Americans bench.

The WHL handed down unprecedented punishment. Kozuback was suspended  for two games, as well as any road playoff games. Kozuback was placed on probation by the WHL for the next season. Americans players Jeff Fancy and Steve Jaques were suspended for five games and one game, respectively. The Seattle Thunderbirds were fined $1,000 for lack of crowd control.

The Americans and Thunderbirds square off December 12th, a Teddy Bear Toss game.