At this time last season, Kevin Bieksa and Derek Dorsett were flinging punches at each other's faces when the latter took liberties against a Vancouver Canucks' rookie.

Now they share a shower.

It's a common circumstance in the high-traffic NHL where tempers flare and hatchets must later be buried - a situation that came easy this time around.

"It’s funny because he’s not the first guy that I've fought and ended up being teammates with," Bieksa told the Vancouver Sun. "You introduce yourself and shake hands for the first time; you are both kind of smiling and laughing.

"Obviously, we have had our battles but I am very happy he is on our team now and we’ll be battling together. It’s pretty easy to build that bond, I think."

Dorsett shares a similar sentiment, being able to now avoid the wrath of a salty, astute veteran.

"It’s harder to go into zones when you know you’re going to feel the lumber, hits in the corner, and the little chops in front of the net."

The pair will fight the good fight together Thursday night in a preseason matchup with the Calgary Flames.