Ivan Miroshnichenko gets in first AHL fight, Bears change his name in locker stall to Ivan Drago

Ivan Miroshnichenko continues to achieve significant milestones early in his rookie season with the Hershey Bears. Miroshnichenko secured his first point in the AHL during Game 2, followed by his inaugural goal in Game 3, and his first multi-point game in Game 7.

Now, Miroshnichenko has made his mark with his first fight in the AHL in Hershey’s game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday, only playing his eighth professional game in North America.

Miro, known for his fighting prowess in Russia, engaged in a fight with Taylor Fedun of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, who is 16 years his senior.

OK…show of hands…who knew Miro had it in him? 😏 pic.twitter.com/6wuZzofk5g

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) October 29, 2023

The altercation began when 19-year-old Miroshnichenko seemed to settle a score, delivering a high elbow to 35-year-old Fedun with 4:37 left in the game, with the Bears leading 5-1. The two players tumbled to the ice, but Miroshnichenko quickly rose to his feet and immediately challenged Taylor to a fight.

Photo: Tori Hartman/Hershey Bears

While there were some punches thrown, the fight mainly consisted of wrestling.

Regardless, after the game, Todd Nelson acknowledged Miroshnichenko’s milestone by presenting him with a new set of CCM gloves.

“For the Russian bear, Miro, in honor of his first fight…”

First goal puck.
First fight gloves.
Big roars from the rookies. 😂🐻🥊 pic.twitter.com/3rxFEzRnPB

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) October 29, 2023

Above, Miroshnichenko’s name tag had been altered by the Bears’ equipment staff. Instead of being #10 Miroshnichenko, he was transformed into Ivan Drago from the renowned Rocky movie series.