Ryan Reaves shows incredible restraint and respect during tilt with out matched opponent

Ryan Reaves is one of the NHL's top heavyweights. The 6'2, 225 pound forward is willing to do whatever it takes to give his team a boost and usually that involves throwing a huge hit or dropping the gloves. During last night's game between the Minnesota Wild and the Arizona Coyotes, Reaves was up to his old tricks.

After Ryan Reaves threw a huge hit against a defender on the forecheck, rookie forward Boko Imama saw his opportunity to challenge Reaves. Earlier in the game, the two had spoken in warm ups and Imama made it clear he wanted to make a name for himself.

After being challenged by the 26-year-old Imama, Reaves was quick to oblige. Reaves dropped his gloves and attempted to square off against Imama. While Reaves was looking to engage you could immediately tell Imama knew he bit off more than he could chew.

Imama continued to back away from Reaves, trying to lung in on multiple occasions. Luckily for Imama, Reaves realized that the rookie was out of his league and did everything possible to protect the young player, because it was clear, if Reaves wanted to it would have been goodnight Imama.



The two wouldn't drop the gloves again during the game, which was a very good choice by Imama.