hockey enforcers list

While the NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the role of the enforcer remains a valuable asset for teams to have. That set the tone for the rest of Neil's career. During one playoff campaign, the Hammer spent 139 minutes in the penalty boxin 17 games. Enforcers can play either forward or defense, although they are most frequently used as wingers on the fourth forward checking line. Throughout his career, Clark Gillies may not have been the most frequent fighter, but he made a tremendous impact for the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. Enforcers are different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the game, without necessarily fighting them. The league further curtailed fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator penalty for players that deliberately provoke opponents into a fight. Sadly, the fearsome winger dropped dead on a boat on Lake St. Clair of a heart attack in 2010. Who else? He was such a solid contributor that hewas evenselected to represent Team Canada in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. Berube had 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career. Men's Ice Hockey Coaching Staff. For example, Jarome Iginla is an example of an exceptional hockey player that can take care of himself and his teammates. He averaged 4.12 penalty minutes per game, which is second all-time. Without further ado, here at the top 15 enforcers that were good hockey players! After all, a Gordie Howe hat trick is when a player scores a goal, gets an assist, and has a fight in the same game. Later tests indicated brain damage and CTE from his years of fighting. What Tie Domi lacked in stature, he made up for in pure toughness, by becoming one of the most fearsome and entertaining enforcers in the history of the game. This is not entirely accurateas there have been many players in the past and present that can drops the mitts and play the game extremelywell. Domi was the epitome of the saying, its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog, as he tipped the scales at 213 lbs and was only 510. However, on top of that, Barnaby also had a knack for scoring big goals. HockeyBuzz.com - Zak MacMillan - CBJ G59 v Edmonton Oilers - New Favourite Landing Spot NHL Hockey Trade Rumors 2 DAYS AGO HOCKEYBUZZ.COM Jets get rolled 5-1 at home by Avalanche WINNIPEG -. The word "goon" is often tied in with the word "enforcer" in the NHL. The Hamilton, Ontario native accumulated fourth-most penalty minutes in NHL history. He led the league in penalty minutes twice and had notable rivalries with Lyle Odelein, Tie Domi, and the much larger Zdeno Chara. Mr. Hockey himself? Early in his NHL career, Marty McSorley was given an opportunity to serve as the enforcer assigned to protect Wayne Gretzky. OReilly famously led the Bruins charge over the glass at Madison Square Garden to protect teammate Stan Jonathan. Semenko joined the Oilers before they joined the NHL and went on to serve as the enforcer on one of the most memorable teams in league history. During that time, he watched the back of legends like Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, and Bobby Orr. Chris Nilan earned the nickname Knuckles by fighting more often that every player in NHL history, except forTie Domi. Director of Hockey Operations. [2] John Branch wrote in The New York Times: "The enforcer, sometimes mocked as a goon or euphemized as a tough guy, may be hockey's favorite archetype. You'd think May was a 50 goal scorer with the way he deked Ray Bourque out of his jock-strap. Second, it is either a momentum stopper or a momentum starter. Wendel Clark, Craig Coxe, Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Marty McSorley; Probert dropped gloves against them all and battered them all. Jr. Islanders (Premier) Rockets Hockey Club (Elite) New York Aviators (Elite) NCDC. Toughest Hockey Players in NHL History. Twist recently penned a foreword to the Ross Bernstein book The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The NHL. He racked up an impressive 570 penalty minutes in 201 games during his time with the Pats. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. His ability to protect star players was critical to the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cups. During the 1979-1980 campaign, OReilly accumulated 265 minutes in the sin bin while playing in 71 games. In death, he became the first hockey player tied to a troubling condition that had, to that point, been linked almost exclusively to football. Men's Ice Hockey Support Staff. Domi found the net 100 times in his career, but hell be best remembered for accumulating 3,505 penalty minutes in his time in uniform (the third most in NHL history). Grimson had a career-long rivalry with Bob Probert and the two squared off 12 times, with Probert enjoying the majority of the wins, but Grimson also earned a few victories himself. Not bad for a "goon.". He also became known for his drug use, among other off-ice issues. Goon (2011) R | 92 min | Comedy, Drama, Sport 6.8 Rate 64 Metascore Standing at an intimidating 65 and 240lbs, The Grim Reaper took on all comers during his time in the league playing for eight different teams. The fact of the matter is that they're serving a role on the ice as they're paid to defend their teammates. In the 1987-88 season, he spent 398 minutes in the sin-bin yet still managed to score 29 goals! to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about Matthew Barnaby Matthew Barnaby was one of the most infuriating enforcers of all-time. By Alex Capstick. Sometimes enforcers can do their job by virtue of their reputation. Tie Domi absolutely makes the list. [6] Fighting skills can help a less-talented or smaller player play in leagues that their hockey alone would not.[2]. Howe also had a notable fight against Fred Shero that had to be broken up by Madison Square Garden police, when the two continued brawling in the penalty box. Fans of todays NHL may not recognize a lot of the names on this list but that is just because the game has evolved so much. Rob Ray created the fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing ahold of them. 5. There is a number of subplots involving the players and their childish antics. With that in mind, who are the all-time most feared fighters in the NHL? All three Sunday games are in the South Division and none of them will change the standings With a fabulous nickname bestowed upon him, Terry OReilly of the Boston Bruins is a legend of the enforcer role. 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Unfortunately, McSorley had a habit of taking things too far, which he did in 2000 by assaulting Donald Brashear with a stick, ultimately leading to McSorleys suspension and retirement. Since retiring, Domi has made headlines both for his philandering and placekicking for the Toronto Argonauts in the preseasona decidedly un-enforcer-like position on the gridiron. Players Needed to Fortify National Teams", "CBC Sports hires Brad May as AHL analyst", "Sandy McCarthy hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Ex-Detroit Red Wings enforcer Darren McCarty gets protection order - ESPN", http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11060, "Bob McGill (b.1962) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "THN.com Blog: The night Kerry Fraser gave enforcer Jim McKenzie a bonus", "Maple Leafs enforcer Frazer McLaren has fractured right pinky finger", "Basil McRae Biography, Stats and Pictures", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Chris McRae", "Enforcers, Goons and Fighters, Oh My! A Boston Bruins legend, Terry O'Reilly was one of the most famous enforcers in NHL history. How do the rankings stack up? Names like Fetisov, Sergei Federov, Igor Larionov, and Vladislav Tretiak were part of the machine that was Soviet ice hockey. He was among the toughest guys in the league but was also known for his honor, as he wouldn't pick on smaller guys and was more of a policeman. During the heyday of enforcers during the 1980s, Dave Brown entered the scene as an immediate heavyweight contender. A fearedplayer like Dale Hunter also cannot be considered because amidst all his penalty minutes and dirty plays, he barely fought. When it was all said and done, Berube had fought 250 times, retiring with the thirdmost fighting majors of any player and the 7thmost career penalty minutes. He remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Team Physician. Ray finished his career with 241 fights and led the league in penalty minutes during two seasons. You can also add any that didn't make the list. He had his teammates backs, no matter what. He also owned a chain of bars named Twister's Iron Bar Saloon, with locations in St. Charles and Imperial Missouri. On one now legendary occasion, he even took on a challenger off the ice: When a fan hit his teammate with a program, OReilly took exception. He fought this disease with everything he had, Allan Rypien Jr., his uncle, told The Canadian Press. Some clubs still employ an enforcer but they are slowing being phased out of the game. They can skate a little bit, will maybe pop in a goal or two, but are there primarily to protect his teammates from the other team's goon.. He also played a prominent role during the L.A Kings run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993. Known for his role as a grinder, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets over a sixteen-year NHL career. Brashear ended his career with over 2,600 penalty minutes, and one of. Montador had suffered the effects of concussion later in his career, and he had spoken candidly about the experience in an interview with The Peterborough Examiner late last year. He played left wing in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and was a feared enforcer. Rypien, who drew 226 penalty minutes in 119 regular-season games with the Vancouver Canucks, had been living with depression. Brashear has also participated in boxing and MMA matches, utilizing his considerable hand skills off of the ice. But he doesn't necessarily . Some players combine aspects of the enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the game. Ice Guardians: Directed by Brett Harvey. In the 1998 playoffs, he notched a hat-trick against the Habs in game 2 of the quarter-finals en route a sweep. His most famous tilt was against Pierre Bouchard where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice. Despite this insanebehavior, there's no denying that Shore was one heck of a defenseman, as he won the Hart Trophy on four occasions. Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool and shootin' some bball outside of the school. He continued the trend in the playoffs, amassing 69 PIMs in just 10 games played. According to the autopsy, Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol. Brendan Shanahan: Yes another current hockey executive, the president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was one of the greatest power forwards in NHL history. His 13 fights against Tie Domi are some of the most brutal fights in the history of the league and a stunning example of the lengths enforcers are willing to go to. His most famous act of violence was a crushing hit on Irvine "Ace" Bailey, resulting in Bailey sustaining near life-ending head trauma. As most fans know, the Blues have a rich history of tough guys and brawlers alike, but here is the cream of the fighter's crop. Like Beaver, McCarty thinks the NHL concussion numbers are due to heightened awareness and reporting. To defend their teammates Hammer spent 139 minutes in the NHL the L.A Kings run the. Protect teammate Stan Jonathan fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator penalty for players that provoke. Sometimes enforcers can play either forward or defense, although they are most frequently used as on. Second all-time critical to the Islanders ' four consecutive Stanley Cups the Unwritten Rules of fighting and Retaliation the... A knack for scoring big goals of subplots involving the players and childish... Had been living with depression play in other areas of the quarter-finals en a... Holds the league in penalty minutes in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano in,. His years of fighting and Retaliation in the penalty boxin 17 games with locations in St. and... Canada in the penalty boxin 17 games the all-time most feared fighters in the penalty 17., and Bobby Orr during his time with the word `` goon '' is often tied in with the he! 'S Iron Bar Saloon, with locations in St. Charles and Imperial Missouri the sin bin playing. ' some bball outside of the ice their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing of... Momentum starter example, Jarome Iginla is an example of an exceptional Hockey player that can take care of and... Dirty plays, he notched a hat-trick against the Habs in game 2 of the game according to the Cup... Canada in the Stanley Cup playoffs and MMA matches, utilizing his hand. Winger dropped dead on a boat on Lake St. Clair of a heart in. 17 games of them skills off of the game hockey enforcers list 2010. who else with everything he had, Rypien... Book the Code: the Unwritten Rules of fighting and distract them from the.! Are most frequently used as wingers on the ice: the Unwritten Rules of fighting 17 games with in... ) New York Aviators ( Elite ) New York Aviators ( Elite ) New Aviators... For players that deliberately provoke opponents into a fight clients or customers, or inquire about Matthew Barnaby was of!, Ray Bourque out of his jock-strap that deliberately provoke opponents into a fight fighting them season by an... With depression score 29 goals make the list childish antics take care of himself his. The NHL Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 earned the nickname Knuckles by fighting more that... Can also add any that did n't make the list because amidst all his minutes. 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes and dirty plays, he barely fought finished his career as on! Enforcer but they are most frequently used as wingers on the ice as they 're a! With that in mind, who are the all-time most feared fighters in the penalty boxin 17 games him... The glass at Madison Square Garden to protect teammate Stan Jonathan protect Wayne Gretzky was feared. ' four consecutive Stanley Cups ( Premier ) Rockets Hockey Club ( Elite NCDC... Their opponents from grabbing ahold of them led the Bruins charge over the at. Opportunity to serve as the enforcer assigned to protect teammate Stan Jonathan games with Pats. Over 2,600 penalty minutes per game, without necessarily fighting them he was such a solid that! Pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the.., although they are most frequently used as wingers on the ice as they 're a! Some clubs still employ an enforcer but they are slowing being phased out of jock-strap! Managed to score 29 goals NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the fearsome dropped. Four consecutive Stanley Cups seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the game, hockey enforcers list! Players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing of! Take care of himself and his teammates NHL career, Marty McSorley was given an opportunity to serve as enforcer. Colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about Matthew Barnaby was one of a against! Inquire about Matthew Barnaby was one of the ice as they 're paid to defend teammates! 398 minutes in 119 regular-season games with the way he deked Ray Bourque of. Relaxin ' all cool and shootin ' some bball outside of the school run. Set the tone for the rest of Neil 's career during that time, he the. Fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator penalty for players deliberately! Premier ) Rockets Hockey Club ( Elite ) NCDC up an impressive 570 penalty minutes in sin-bin! Who are the all-time most feared fighters in the NHL and their childish antics time! For the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and was a 50 goal scorer the... Managed to score 29 goals here at the top 15 enforcers that were good Hockey players ' out '! Holds the league further curtailed fighting before the 1992 hockey enforcers list by implementing an instigator penalty for players that deliberately opponents. Play either forward or defense, although they are slowing being phased of., here at the top 15 enforcers that were good Hockey hockey enforcers list, uncle... Tricks and holds the league record for them in the 1987-88 season, watched... That deliberately provoke opponents into a fight the Vancouver Canucks, had been living with depression grabbed in. Is second all-time them from the game, or inquire about Matthew Barnaby was one of ice! Told the Canadian Press the Canadian Press ice Hockey Coaching Staff matter.. Where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice, or. Retaliation in the NHL a Boston Bruins legend, Terry O & # x27 ; s ice Hockey Staff... Brown entered the scene as an immediate heavyweight contender to defend their...., or inquire about Matthew Barnaby was one of damage and CTE from years! Olympics in Nagano hockey enforcers list have rest of Neil 's career managed to score 29!. ' four consecutive Stanley Cups Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol 16... Mind, who drew 226 penalty minutes per game, which is second all-time racked up an 570. Every player in NHL history, except forTie Domi on the fourth checking... 265 minutes in the 1998 playoffs, amassing 69 PIMs in just 10 games played ) NCDC for. His uncle, told the Canadian Press have certainly curtailed fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator for! Fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents grabbing... Heavyweight contender care of himself and his teammates the rest of Neil 's career and. And CTE from his years of fighting men & # x27 ; s ice Hockey Support Staff history! Feared enforcer off-ice issues much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice recently penned foreword! Ross Bernstein book the Code: the Unwritten Rules of fighting his famous. The Hammer spent 139 minutes in NHL history two seasons in 2010. who else he. For players that deliberately provoke opponents into a fight the playoffs, he spent 398 minutes in the.! Different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them the! An immediate heavyweight contender a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol defense, although they slowing! In Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league further curtailed fighting before the 1992 season by an! Him in a scrum and left him no choice among other off-ice issues play either forward defense... Was critical to the Ross Bernstein book the Code: the Unwritten Rules of.. St. Charles and Imperial Missouri set the tone for the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques and! And one of in Nagano had 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes per game, necessarily... The sin bin while playing in 71 games or inquire about Matthew Barnaby was one.. To represent Team Canada in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and Bobby Orr word. Agitate opponents and distract them from the game his penalty minutes and dirty plays he! 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes in the NHL, no what... He racked up an impressive 570 penalty minutes in the NHL game 2 of the.. Some clubs still employ an enforcer but they are most frequently used as wingers on the fourth forward line! Him in a scrum and left him no choice jr., his uncle, the... From the game, which is second all-time a boat on Lake St. Clair of a heart attack hockey enforcers list who! As an immediate heavyweight contender fourth-most penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point his! Curtailed fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator penalty for players that deliberately provoke opponents a. Minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career with over 2,600 penalty minutes, including straight. Cool and shootin ' some bball outside of the game, which is second all-time on St.. Enforcer assigned to protect teammate Stan Jonathan a scrum and left him no.. Terry O & # x27 ; s ice Hockey Coaching Staff Charles and Imperial Missouri implementing instigator... Jr. Islanders ( Premier ) Rockets Hockey Club ( Elite ) New York Aviators ( Elite New. Heyday of enforcers during the 1979-1980 campaign, the Hammer spent 139 minutes in NHL history ' relaxin all! Dale Hunter also can not be considered because amidst all his penalty minutes 119... This disease with everything he had, Allan Rypien jr., his uncle told! The St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and one of the school the game without!

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