Watch: Simon Benoit superman punches Michael Kesselring, resets dislocated thumb on his own in penalty box 

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Mar 11, 2025 08:01 GMT

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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit showcased his toughness during Monday's game against the Utah Hockey Club.

In a second-period altercation with Utah's Michael Kesselring, Benoit delivered a solid "Superman punch" that sent Kesselring to the ice. However, the fight came at a cost for Benoit, who dislocated his thumb during the action.

Undeterred, Simon Benoit displayed incredible grit by resetting the dislocated thumb himself while sitting in the penalty box.

Watch the video here:

Meanwhile, both teams are deadlocked at 3-3 with the final period in play. The Maple Leafs had a strong start, building a 3-0 lead that they held until the second period. Utah then came roaring back, scoring three unanswered goals in just under four minutes to tie the game in the third period.

Simon Benoit comments on his Superman punch

Simon Benoit explained his inspiration behind the Superman punch after the game. He felt there was an opening during the moment and decided to take it.

He intended to energize his teammates, responding to an earlier incident where Kesslering tried to hurt Bobby McMann during a faceoff.

“I think just in the moment I felt I had an opening there, and I just took it,” said Benoit via The Hockey News. He wanted (to get) his guys going there, and he asked me. Little smirk, he tried to kind of hurt Bobby (McMann) there in the middle faceoff so I stepped up and protected my teammate.”

Head coach Craig Berube humorously noted that he had never seen such a move before, or at least not in recent memory, suggesting he might take notes for future reference.

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended up beating the Utah Hockey Club 4-3 in the shootout. Benoit scored this debut goal in the matchup, taking his points tally to five points in 60 games this season.