Old-school hockey: Bernier says Leafs stepped up for each other in brawl

TORONTO – Toronto goaltender Jonathan Bernier says an event like a big brawl can help bring a team together.

The Maple Leafs’ rivalry with the Buffalo Sabres hit another level in Sunday’s pre-season game at Air Canada Centre after a wild melee that included one player coming off the bench and a rare goalie fight.

Bernier says while the team doesn’t want any of its players to be suspended to start the season, the main thing is that everybody stepped up for each other.

Maple Leafs forward David Clarkson is expected to receive a 10-game ban for leaving the bench to join the fray.

Bernier even dropped the gloves with Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller.

A scrap between Toronto’s Jamie Devane and Buffalo’s Corey Tropp raised the tension and the melee began when Sabres tough guy John Scott tried to pick a fight with Toronto star forward Phil Kessel.