Noel Acciari honours hockey's code, takes a beating from Matt Martin after injuring Brock Nelson

During the first period of last night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders, Noel Acciari delivered a questionable hit to Brock Nelson. On the play Nelson turned around and was hit from behind by Acciari, there was no penalty on the play. Despite there being no call, it was clear Acciari would likely have to answer for his hit.

Late in the third period, Islanders' tough guy Matt Martin challenged Acciari and he obliged, even though he was just returning from injury and as expected he got fed for his troubles, take a look:


Even though Acciari knew going into it he would lose the fight, it's admirable he accepted the fight. Good on Martin for sticking up for Nelson when he had the chance to. Fighting someone for a questionable hit no matter how late in the game.


To Martin's credit he stood up for his teammate while also protecting Acciari. The code has been in the game of hockey for a long long time and on cases like this it's a good thing it's still around.