If you're a hockey fan, there is no doubt you have already seen Wednesday evening's epic goalie fight between the New York Islanders' Rick DiPietro and the Pittsburgh Penguins' Brent Johnson. And if you haven't? NHL Network has it for you here:
For New England fans looking for some claim on either fight participant, look no further.
DiPietro, who didn't put up the most valiant of fights, is originally from Winchester, Massachusetts. After graduating from St. Sebastian's School in Needham, he played a year (1999-2000) of college hockey for Boston University before jumping ship for the NHL and the Islanders. In his last game as a Terrier, DiPietro stopped a near-NCAA record 77 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to St. Lawrence University.
The bout's victor, Johnson, may originally be from Michigan, but he played parts of five seasons (1996-2000, 2002-2003) with the Worcester IceCats (which eventually moved to Peoria, Illinois, but were replaced by the current Worcester Sharks.) He backstopped the IceCats to three straight seasons of playoff appearances from 1996-1999.
You're welcome in advance for the perfect pieces of bar trivia for your Friday evening happy hour.