Tony Twist and Kelly Chase both weighed in at over 200 pounds and a tall 6 feet, and it didn’t take long for them to become huge fan favorites in St. Louis.
Together, they formed the St. Louis Bruise Brothers, and they took no prisoners on the ice.
They were both some of the best fighters the league has ever seen, and they were absolutely fearful every time they stepped onto the ice.
Kelly Chase had led the WHL in penalty minutes with 343 two years before entering the NHL.
And what was so special about it was that none of those minutes were misconduct; they were all fighting majors.
Chase and Twist were true enforcers, and they loved their job. But their opponents didn’t love coming up against them.
Chase and Twist weren’t just teammates; they formed a special bond and became lifetime friends.
Knowing that, their March 9, 1996 fight becomes even more special. In 96, Kelly Chase had left to play for the Hartford Whalers, and during a game against the Blues, that still had Tony Twist in the lineup, things got heated.
And, of course, they both dropped the gloves to fight, despite their friendship.
For them, it wasn’t a doubt. It was their job to fight, and they knew it was nothing personal whatsoever.
”You know what? It’s a great piece for the fans, but really, it’s just business as usual for us,” Tony Twist said.
But what’s even more remarkable is what happened just hours after the infamous fight.
”Chaser had a job to do that night. I had a job to do that night. And we both did the job, and I promise you this: We went out for beers and drinks and food that night, and we never talked about it.”
At some time, Twist had even been living at Chase’s house. But during the testy game, Chase had to do something.
”It wasn’t my intention to fight with my friend, obviously, but then when he came over, he said, ’Keenan’s barking.’ And I said, ’You just want to get it over with?’
”We went out and had a couple of beers that night and I left the rent the same, you know, I loved his kids.”
