Kyle Clifford attacks Boko Imama in the handshake line

Toronto Marlies F Kyle Clifford attacked Belleville Senators forward Boko Imama in the handshake line after the Marlies were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Leafs will face elimination when they face off against the Bruins for Game 5 on Tuesday. Similarly, the Toronto Marlies faced elimination today when they faced off against the Belleville Senators. In the end, it took an overtime winner from Garrett Pilon to send the Marlies off to the golf course before the start of May.

During the traditional post series handshakes, it seems that Senators winger Bokondji «Boko» Imama said something to offend Kyle Clifford.




As you can see, Clifford had already moved past Imama before suddenly turning and going after him. The scuffle only lasted a few seconds as officials were quick to jump in. One has to wonder if what triggered the attack was something said, something that had happened in the series, or perhaps a continued rivalry boiling over.

Imama and Clifford do have a history, after all. Clifford looked ready to tear Imama limb from limb earlier this season after Imama bumped Dennis Hildeby.


Clearly these two don't like each other. If I'm being objective here, I have to say, the handshake line is sacred. Clifford should have either gone after Imama before the game ended or simply just let it go.

Without knowing what was said, or what exactly sent Clifford into such a rage, it's very hard to defend him on this. It wouldn't shock me to see Clifford handed a suspension to start the next AHL season, if he does plan to return for another season.