In the high-intensity world of the NHL, the sight of two goaltenders meeting at center ice to drop their gloves remains one of the sport's rarest spectacles. Most netminders will lace up their skates for an entire career without ever engaging in a fight. This unique dynamic came into brief focus recently when Calgary Flames backup Devin Cooley skated toward a scrum involving his Detroit Red Wings counterpart, John Gibson, during a game on December 10, 2025.
A Close Encounter That Sparked Conversation
While the situation did not escalate into an actual fight, Cooley's decision to leave his crease and move toward the action did not go unnoticed by teammates or fans. The moment provided a glimpse into the seldom-seen protocol and personal courage involved when goalies consider defending their teammates.
"I knew I had to go do something and show that I'm willing to stand up for the guys," Cooley admitted with a grin. "But I don't know if I've thrown a punch since I was a little kid. It would have been interesting to see, but I would have tried my best."
His goaltending partner, Dustin Wolf, appreciated the gesture. "He's not scared of anything, he likes to have fun," Wolf said. "I think his answer to me was 'I just wanted to get involved, I wanted to look like I was doing something out there.' Good on him, who knows if I get there one day, but good on him for getting out there."
The Goaltenders' Candid Perspective on Dropping the Gloves
So, do goaltenders secretly harbor a desire to experience a fight at least once in their careers? According to the Flames' tandem, the answer is a resounding no. The risks far outweigh any perceived glory.
"I mean, if it happens, it happens," Wolf explained pragmatically. "There's certainly been some scenarios when you get in the mix but it takes some nuts to get down there. You'd better not die."
This sentiment is shared by the coaching staff. Flames head coach Ryan Huska made it clear he prefers his goalies avoid any glove-dropping "shenanigans." The potential for injury or a game misconduct is a risk no team wants to take with its last line of defense.
Strong Play in the Crease Fuels Flames' Turnaround
While the hypothetical fight was a fleeting topic, the tangible and outstanding performances from Cooley and Wolf have been the real story for Calgary. Their work has been instrumental in the team's recent surge.
Since November 18, the Flames have posted an impressive 8-4-1 record, collecting the eighth-most points in the league over that stretch. Wolf has been particularly stellar since the start of December, winning four of his five starts with a remarkable .940 save percentage and a 1.61 goals-against average. Cooley provided crucial support by handling the bulk of the workload in late November, allowing Wolf a brief reset.
Although Wolf is expected to receive the majority of starts moving forward, the effective tandem has solidified the Flames' goaltending and provided a foundation for the team's competitive play. This stability between the pipes is, as both goalies would assuredly agree, infinitely more valuable than the remote possibility of a memorable fight.
