Zachary Fucale’s hockey journey has been anything but ordinary. Once hailed as a rising star in Montreal, the former Canadiens goalie has faced a winding path through the NHL and beyond, ultimately landing in Russia’s KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

But it’s not just his impressive stats or record-breaking shutouts that have fans buzzing this season—it’s a dramatic moment from inside the locker room that’s taken the hockey world by storm.

Captured during the heat of the KHL championship finals, a newly surfaced video shows Fucale unleashing raw emotion and fiery words at his teammates, sparking a wave of debate online.

Was it a passionate leader demanding more from his squad, or did he cross a line with his outburst? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems.

While some fans criticize Fucale’s approach, others celebrate his intensity and drive, pointing to his role in Traktor’s remarkable run to the finals.

With his career now on a new trajectory—including a fresh contract with Dinamo Minsk—the spotlight is back on Fucale, and the story behind that viral video reveals much more than meets the eye. What really happened in that locker room, and what does it mean for his future?

Former Montreal Canadiens goalie Zachary Fucale

Photo credit: All Habs

In a video published on the KHL’s X account (formerly Twitter), we can see former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Zachary Fucale losing his cool in the locker room.

Zachary Fucale went through a difficult journey in the NHL.. which ultimately led him to continue his career in the KHL, where he has played for Traktor Chelyabinsk since the 2023 season.

During the 2024-2025 regular season, he excelled with a record of 20-14-0, a goals-against average of 2.10, a save percentage of .924, and 8 shutouts, tying a KHL record.

His team finished first in the Eastern Conference, largely thanks to him. Fucale also led Traktor to the Gagarin Cup finals, but the team was defeated by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

A video of Fucale yelling at his teammates in the locker room divides fans online

It was during the KHL championship final that the video was captured by cameras inside Traktor’s locker room. Unhappy with the effort from his teammates, Zachary lost his temper and delivered a tirade containing several words not suitable for children.

“If they’re going to beat us, we should make them feel some ***** pain!”

– Zachary Fucale

Obviously, fans are divided on whether Fucale crossed the line by going after his teammates like that, but most seem to appreciate his unfiltered speech. Plus, he has the stats to back it up!

Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2013 (2nd round, 36th overall), Fucale was seen as a promising prospect thanks to his exceptional performances in the QMJHL, but with Carey Price firmly established as the number one goaltender, Fucale’s opportunities to break through in the NHL were limited.

He recently signed a new contract with Dinamo Minsk!

It’s good to see him showcase the full extent of his talent in Russia. With the stats he has been putting up since joining the KHL, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him courted again by NHL teams for a two-way contract.