Gazdic KOs Westgarth with one final punch during lengthy brawl (VIDEO)

As far as hockey fights go, this was a good one — until one final punch reminded everyone how bad these skirmishes can end.

Kevin Westgarth and Luke Gazdic exchanged punches during the latest installment of the Battle of Alberta between the Flames and Oilers Saturday night. And, for a while, the first period dust-up looked pretty even.

Just as the announcers observed the length of the brawl, Gazdic knocked Westgarth out with one last right-cross. Westgarth bounced his head violently off of the ice and didn't return to the game.

The Flames play the Wild in Minnesota on Monday, but Westgarth will not play. After the game, he was diagnosed with a head injury and traveled back to Calgary.

#Flames Injury Update: Westgarth will not return tonight as per evaluation protocol. #CGYEDM
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 2, 2014