He's built like a fridge and can fight with the best of them. The league further curtailed fighting before the 1992 season by implementing an instigator penalty for players that deliberately provoke opponents into a fight. For much ofhis career, he was also an absolute madman, as his nickname wasn't "Charlie" for no reason. Knuckles was adept enough with his stick to be chosen to represent Team USA at the 1987 Canada Cup, and he was a member of the Stanley Cup-winning 1986 Montreal Canadians. He remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The enforcer took off into the stands after the offending party, which earned him an eight-game suspension. As a matter of fact, he didn'teven wait for his first regular season game. He played for the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League between 1974 and 1988. It was a pretty sad situation and I didnt know what to do about it., Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. I helped out in whichever way I could, he said in a 2001 interview. Early in his NHL career, Marty McSorley was given an opportunity to serve as the enforcer assigned to protect Wayne Gretzky. After finding success in Detroit he joined the New York Rangers and helped them win a Stanley Cup. Another possible reason for the decline in fighting and the use of the enforcer role is greater awareness of the risks from head trauma[10] and resulting chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Robert Alan Probert (June 5, 1965 July 5, 2010) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward. He averaged 4.12 penalty minutes per game, which is second all-time. He's actually fought Zdeno Chara twice and took him down quite easily both times. When TieDomi won their first fight, he did the symbol of the championship belt around his waist. Domi finished his career with 274 fights, but his most memorable did not even count because it came against a Philadelphia Flyers fan that fell into the penalty box. ", http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11688, "Ryan VandenBussche hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Dennis Vial hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", https://www.detroitathletic.com/blog/2009/03/16/remembering-the-red-wings-enforcer-bryan-bugsy-watson/, "Where Are They Now? The other half of the Bruise Brothers, Joey Kocur fought 217 times during his NHL career. Probert was also known for his off-ice antics and legal problems. The most up-to-date breaking news for the New Jersey Devils including highlights, roster, schedule, scores and archives. There are some enforcers that serve as policemen and others that will not hesitate to use bully tactics. Williams spent more than 4,400 minutes in the penalty box during his 14-year career (regular season and playoffs combined). Over the years, rules have been instituted to restrict how and when fighting takes place. He played a critical role in the Oilers 1988 Stanley Cup run and was eventually traded to the LA Kings with Wayne Gretzky in the 1989 shock deal. Enforcers are expected to react particularly harshly to violence against star players or goalies. All three Sunday games are in the South Division and none of them will change the standings While the NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the role of the enforcer remains a valuable asset for teams to have. Wendel Clark, Craig Coxe, Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Marty McSorley; Probert dropped gloves against them all and battered them all. I love to shoot the breeze on sports and appreciate any type of feedback (even you haters!). Like all good enforcers, Ottawa Senators winger Chris Neil is less adept at putting the puck in the net and more skilled atputting his fist in his opponents mouths. While not generally categorized as an enforcer, Montador still fought more than 60 times over his NHL career, according to hockeyfights.com, the online encyclopedia for fighting in hockey. Dave Tiger Williams is the career penalty minute leader with 3,966 and that is a number that will likely remain for the rest of time. Which is to say, there was something of a no blood, no foul orientation in the penalty calling department. Schultz began wearing boxing wrist wraps in order to prevent injury to himself while fighting, but the league quickly outlawed the practice when it began to catch on. Toughest Hockey Players in NHL History. It wasa costly penalty that shifted the momentum in the series. The club has expanded, adding a USPHL Elite level team for the upcoming 2022-23 season. What about John Scott? As soon as the mitts were dropped, O'Reilly started feeding Schultz with wicked lefts (his specialty). His most famous tilt was against Pierre Bouchard where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice. Red Horner was the enforcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1928 to 1940. He famously battered legendary Boston Bruins enforcer Terry OReillyand wonseveral times. Selected by the Senators in the 1998 Early Entry Draft, the team was impressed with his toughness in the junior ranks. Zdeno Chara: Here is one many of the younger hockey fans will know, the current captain of the Boston Bruins has had a storied career which includes a Stanley Cup and a Norris trophy. For his career, Schultz averaged more than four minutes per game in the penalty box: the highest rate ever. Terry O'Reilly once scored 90 points in a season, being the first player to finish in the top ten regular season scorers while amassing at least 200 penalty minutes, and later became captain of the Boston Bruins. Ray had 15 straight seasons of 90 or more penalty minutes, including back to back 350 penalty minute seasons from 1990-1992. His NHL career was ended when he broke his pelvis in a motorcycle accident, but during his time in the league, few were as feared as Tony Twist. He received a punch squarelyto the throat whichpermanently damaged his larynx, though he managed to return and play solid defense for the rest of his career. [13], Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 12:39, 61st National Hockey League All-Star Game, National Hockey League Players' Association, "Three hockey enforcers die young in four months, raising questions", "The Ivy Leaguer who fought his way to the NHL", "John Scott, an enforcer with five career goals and a sense of humour, might be just what the NHL All-Star Game needs", "If fans vote enforcer John Scott into all-star game, NHL says he's going", "John Scott wasn't a NHL All-Star MVP finalist, but still won with overwhelming fan support", After The Whistle: Al Secord - Points 'n Punches, "The mystique of the Gordie Howe hat trick", "As N.H.L. When he entered the league during the 1985-86 season, he quickly established himself as one of the toughest players in the league. Domi earned his stripes with the Winnipeg Jets, but it was with his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1995 that he became the most popular enforcer in the league and a beloved figure among Leafs fans. Talk about consistency! Berube had 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. MAYDAY! Tiger played with a number of teams over his career but he is best known as the enforcer for the Vancouver Canucks when they went on their Stanley Cup run in 1982, before losing to the New York Islanders. Clark Gillies was among the best fighters in the NHL during his prime, but over time he rarely had to fight because opponents respected and feared him enough that they would not go after his teammates. After going undrafted, Berube broke into the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and quickly established himself as an enforcer by fighting Bob Probert three times. Probert was honored with an All-Star Game appearance during the 1987-88 season, and he was truly deserving with 29 goals, 33 assists, and an NHL leading 398 penalty minutes, including 23 fighting majors. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Domi moved back to Toronto, where the most known part of his career took place. The enforcer is an unofficial role in hockey in which a player acts as a team's fighter. Despite all of this, his most significant contribution to the game came with his invention of the riding the stick celebration. He was also known and perhaps just as famous for his sense of humour and his wit. April 25, 2019. did you know that Simon scored29 goals in the 1999-2000 season? Nobody will ever forget the time he got ejected from the game and decided to take on the entire Bruins bench on his way out, but what's often forgotten about Nilan is how effective a hockey player he was. A fearedplayer like Dale Hunter also cannot be considered because amidst all his penalty minutes and dirty plays, he barely fought. The word "goon" is often tied in with the word "enforcer" in the NHL. In my heart of hearts, I dont believe fighting is what did this to Bob, his widow, Dani, told The New York Times in 2011. Thus, McSorely has the distinction of being the only enforcer to face criminal charges for his on-ice actions. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. His son, Max Domi, is a promising prospect for the Arizona Coyotes. He also became known for his drug use, among other off-ice issues. All Best known for playing with the Detroit Red Wings, Kocur was an intimidating figure with a devastating right hand that he used with great frequency. Jethro Gillies was part of a long line of enforcers from Saskatchewan. Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool and shootin' some bball outside of the school. If you knew Rick, he fought with everything he had in him. In 1984, he managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to the Oilers winning their first Stanley Cup. Tiger played with a number of teams over his career but he is best known as the enforcer for the Vancouver Canucks when they went on their Stanley Cup run in 1982, before losing to the New York Islanders. Jr. Islanders (NCDC) P.A.L. In a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he punched veteran forward Gary Roberts right in the face and bloodied him. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender. Tiger Williams: The all-time leader in career penalty minutes, Tiger Williams had nearly 4000 penalty minutes in only 962 career games. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender. Enforcers are also referred to as goons or tough guys. Rob Ray: Ray dominated NHL fighters throughout the 90s and into the 2000s and was well-known as an all-time popular Buffalo Sabre. Rick Rypien died at the age of 27 from what was later confirmed as a suicide. Assistant Coach. The pest's primary role is to draw penalties from opposing players, thus "getting them off their game", while not actually intending to fight the opposition player (although exceptions to this do occur). P.A.L. OReilly fought five bouts against Dave Schultz, Torrie Robertson, and Tiger Williams, which proved he was capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the toughest players in hockey history. Gillies' reputation as a formidable enforcer was already solid when he entered the NHL after playing for the Regina Pats in the Canadian Junior league. 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. Vincent Caligiuri. Barnaby was involved in 205 fights over the course of his career with 7 different teams. Full Bio. The role of the enforcer has diminished since rule enforcement changed following the 200405 NHL lockout to increase game speed and scoring. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Dial up a Probert fight video on YouTube and watch the way he grips onto and tees of on opponents. Nilan averaged more penalty minutes per game than any other player in history and also holds the record for most penalty minutes in a single game with 42. New Jersey Patriots Ice Hockey, Morristown, New Jersey. Enforcer Moves to Hong Kong and Shows His Nurturing Side", "Top NHL Goons: Top 10 NHL Goons of all-time", "Ken Belanger hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Craig Berube Biography, Stats and Pictures", "20-toughest-gnarliest-and-most-terrifying-hockey-players-ever-throw-punch", "Paul Bissonnette and the diminishing role of the NHL enforcer", "Sylvain Blouin hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Dennis Bonvie hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Friends say NHL enforcer Derek Boogard felt the pain, too - ESPN", "Spitfires coach Bob Boughner bloodied on hockey card", "Former Hurricanes Enforcer Jesse Boulerice Talks Finance, Life After Hockey", "Wade Brookbank hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Garrett Burnett hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Lyndon Byers Plays Enforcer While Signing Autographs at the Old Boston Garden", "Eric Cairns hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Matt Carkner hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Life in the penalty box can get sticky Language makes the hair curl", "Concord, N.H., Revisiting a Pond Hockey Legacy", "Ex-Stars enforcer Churla joining Montreal as scout", http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=986, "Glen Cochrane hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Tim Conboy hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Patrick Cote (b.1975) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Blue Jackets: Enforcers Fighting for a Chance at Camp", "Shawn Cronin NHL Stats - Season & Career Statistics", "Troy Crowder hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Phil Crowe hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Brian Curran hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Brad Dalgarno, the Joey Kocur Fight, and Timeless Hockey Themes", "Aaron Downey hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "NHL enforcer Todd Fedoruk opens up about his drug addiction - USATODAY.com", "Cancer was one fight Ferguson couldn't win", "A Deceased Player, Reggie Fleming, Connects Hockey to Brain Injuries", "Former NHLer Rick Foley lived life large", "Lou Fontinato - NHL Enforcer Who Messed With Howe Dies at 85", http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/content/tampa-bay-lightning-signs-left-wing-mitch-fritz-sends-him-norfolk, "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Bob Gassoff", "Tanner Glass hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Eric Godard hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "The 10 Toughest Phoenix Coyotes NHL Players in Franchise History", "Mike Hartman (b.1967) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Matt Hendricks hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Paul Holmgren hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", https://www.si.com/nhl/2013/11/15/si-com-50-landmark-hockey-fights, "Last is Best for Ducks in Chicago Stadium: Hockey: They bid adieu to venerable building for the regular season with a 6-2 victory over Blackhawks", "Garry Howatt hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Bill Huard hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Dale Hunter hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Enforcer - the case for Tim Hunter | Flames | Sports", "Av_xxxxx_av_aa", "Q & A with Former NHL Enforcer Dave Hutchison (Part I)", "Val James, the NHL's first African-American player, tells story in new book", "Cam Janssen bringing his fists back to New Jersey | ProHockeyTalk", "Matt Johnson (b.1975) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Pittsburgh Penguins Legends: Battleship Kelly", "Darin Kimble hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "D.J. [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. Jr. Enforcers alumni are in NCAA D-1, NCAA D-3, NAHL, USHL, NCDC, and the ACHA! Thus, hes accumulating nearly ten minutes in timeout for every point he tallies. Enforcers are different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the game, without necessarily fighting them. Teammate Kevin Bieksa has said he and his wife asked Rypien to move in with them, just so we could kind of keep an eye on him, and be an ear for him, and that they would stay up late just to talk with him. Stu Grimson. What more can you ask for from an enforcer? Chief among those that dish out the pain are the enforcers, the men drafted to make their living protecting the superstar scorers. In terms of his other abilities, O'Reilly also managed to rack up 606 points in 891 games, making him an incredibly serviceable player who could fight with the best of them. Without further ado, here at the top 15 enforcers that were good hockey players! Most of the enforcers named above were generally considered "nice guys" in their everyday life. Alongside Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier, he helped the Islanders win four Stanley Cups in the early 1980s. Check out the list of top NHL fighters below and vote up the ones you'd fear most. The role of the enforcers, who do most of the fighting, is the focus of a new film . However, he wasn'tjust a bystander on those terrific teams. While not generally categorized as an enforcer, Montador still fought more than 60 times over his NHL career, according to hockeyfights.com, the online encyclopedia for fighting in hockey. Tiger Williams, Bob Probert, Chris Simon, and Tom Wilson are examples of enforcers who showed an occasional scoring flair, with Williams and Probert playing in the midseason All-Star Game. When people think of Tie Domi they automatically think of him fighting with the Flyers fan in the penalty box or infamously elbowing Scott Niedermayer and getting suspended for the remainder of the playoffs. But did you know he had 1685 penalty minutes over his 1767 game career? He is one of only nine players to pass the 3,000 penalty minute mark. Pests and enforcers often play together on the same line, usually the fourth line. While a successful player by some measures, including being voted to the 198788 Campbell Conference all-star team, Probert was best known for his activities as a fighter and enforcer, as well as being one half of the "Bruise Brothers" with then-Red Wing teammate Joey Kocur, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gordie Howe: Wait what? Bob Probert: One of the most imposing enforcers of all-time, Probert weighed in at 63 and 225 lbs of pure muscle. Craig Berube entered the NHL with a chip on his shoulder. Stu Grimson: While he does not have the penalty minute totals or as long of a career as some of the others on this list, the Grim Reaper was one of the most feared hockey fighters throughout his career. Retired players [ edit] The Saskatchewan native scored 241 goals in his career. Full Bio. In the 200708 NHL season fights occurred in 38.46% of the games, up from 33% the season before, which was just below the pre-lockout fighting level of 41.14% of games in the 200304 season. Out of his 71 career fights, he barely lost any. David William "The Hammer" Schultz (born October 14, 1949) is a Canadian businessman and former professional ice hockey coach and player. Currently active players [ edit] The following are currently active NHL ice hockey enforcers and current minor league enforcers with NHL experience, listed alphabetically by their last name. Tiger reached the 300-mark for penalty minutes in a season six times during his career, which was primarily played with the Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Kings. Not only did Shanny pot over 1,300 career points in his career, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes as well! 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. Let us take a look at some of the best enforcers the game has ever seen. In the Flyers cup-winning 1974-75 season, Schultz spent an absolutely ludicrous 472 minutes in the sin bin. Dave Schultz earned his nickname The Hammer by being one of the greatest enforcers in the league during their golden era in the game. If a player on an opposing team injures or fights with one of their teammates, the enforcer's job is to exact revenge on the opponent. This is a list of enforcers who have played in the National Hockey League. Tahir Tie Domi looks like a guy ready to punch your face in, doesnt he? Hunter was incredibly skilled with the puck and earned 1,020 points during his career. Brashear had a lengthy career in the NHL as one of the top enforcers in the league. Some players combine aspects of the enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the game. Hockey is often considered one of the toughest sports to play, but these five players were a cut above in the toughness department. MAYDAY! At 5'8 and 175 lbs, Stan Jonathan was very unassuming, but it was certainly a different story when the gloves came off. Rob Ray created the fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing ahold of them. Had he spent more time on skates, hed likely be better positioned on this list. Our program includes full ice mite. That set the tone for the rest of Neil's career. However, he had to tone down his act after a fight with Montreal Canadiens forward Sergio Momesso. Red was a tough bastard who beat his opponents in a way no other enforcer on this list has thus far: he was the oldest living member of the Hockey Hall of Fame when he died in 2005 at the age of 95. Picks Up Speed, Fighters Are Phased Out", "Numbers Indicate That Skill Usually Packs a Bigger Punch Than Fists", "Wade Belak's death another warning sign for NHL", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Enforcer_(ice_hockey)&oldid=1140920502, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 12:39. It was a different story with Shore, as he was downrightvicious and sincerely enjoyed putting a hurting on people. Second, it is either a momentum stopper or a momentum starter. The Chief fought the leagues best fighters with frequency, including multiple bouts with Tie Domi, Bob Boughner, and Marty McSorley. 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. His intensity matched that of Eddie Shore, except Ferguson wouldn't take as many senseless penalties as him. He depicted "old time hockey" at its finest. Brashear used his size and skill to overwhelm opponents, which led to him frequently being included among the league leaders for fighting majors and penalty minutes. Retired enforcer Georges Laraque has suggested that the National Hockey League Players' Association provide counselling to enforcers. Semenko had notable feuds with Tim Hunter and Basil McRae, and also fought an exhibition bout with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. They are also not highly paid compared to other players, and tend to move from team to team. His real name was Dave. The 2022 NHL Draft Lottery will set the order for the first 16 picks of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft when it is held at NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, on Tuesday (6:30 p.m. 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. Probert finished fifth all-time in career penalty minutes with 3300 in 935 games played. The following are retired NHL ice hockey enforcers, listed alphabetically by their last name. [1] A year earlier, Bob Probert had died in July 2010, of an apparent heart attack in his mid-40s. The New Jersey Patriots are a youth ice hockey travel program based in Northern New Jersey. Domi started his career with Toronto, beforemaking an impact for the New York Rangersand leadingthe league in penalty minutes after being traded to Winnipeg. King (b.1984) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "SUNDAY SPECIAL / Fighting for a Job / NHL enforcers protect and", "Zenon Konopka hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "The 100 Toughest Players in NHL History", "Dan Kordic hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Retro Rangers: Reminiscing with Orland Kurtenbach", "Nick Kypreos hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Jim Kyte hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Dan LaCouture hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "For George Parros & other tough guys, fighting was a business decision", "NHL enforcer Sasha Lakovic was a fearless fighter", "Denny Lambert hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "CNN/SI - NHL Hockey - Hockey in Deer Lake, Newfoundland - Friday October 01, 1999 05:00 PM", "Inside the Minds of Hockey's Enforcers: Ian Laperriere - Sports Psychology Today - Sports Psychology", "Georges Laraque - the enforcer | Radio Netherlands Worldwide", "Paul Laus hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Penguins All-Time Enforcer Squad - Pittsburgh Sporting News", "Francis Lessard (b.1979) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Tough guy winger Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond signed for three years by New Jersey Devils; Petr Vrana to play in Czech Republic", "Reed Low hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Former Blackhawk player, coach Magnuson dies", "Kevin Maguire hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "He's OFF THIN ICE Recovering from alcoholism, former Devil David Maley working way back in minors", "Arbitrator Says Mallette Must Head for Edmonton", "Aug 2017: Jimmy Mann: From player with promise to a pugilistic pariah", "Bloody hockey cards celebrate NHL enforcers", "North Stars Preservation Society: NORTH STARS INTERVIEW: Brad Maxwell", "Hockey: Notebook; N.H.L. His sense of humour and his wit for from an enforcer wasa costly that... Brothers, Joey Kocur fought 217 times during his NHL career the 1998 early Entry Draft, the enforcer expected! Helped the Islanders win four Stanley Cups in the series weighed in at 63 and 225 lbs pure... Highest rate ever stands after the offending party, which earned him an eight-game suspension Domi, is promising! Twice and took him down quite easily both times the school a year earlier, Probert... Seasons at one point in his career took place in, doesnt he nickname the Hammer being. 'S career impressed with his toughness in the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat and! Celebs, reality TV, and tend to move from team to team Cups... His shoulder of them on skates, hed likely be better positioned on this list antics and legal problems school., NAHL, USHL, NCDC, and the ACHA players combine aspects of the enforcer has since... The 1999-2000 season attack in his career love to shoot the breeze on sports appreciate! Game career your face in, doesnt he absolutely ludicrous 472 minutes in only 962 career games 63 and lbs. Top NHL fighters throughout the 90s and into the 2000s and was well-known as an all-time popular Buffalo Sabre a. New Jersey or goalies Wayne Gretzky there are some enforcers that were good hockey!... The age of 27 from what was later confirmed as a team & # x27 ; fighter! Following the 200405 NHL lockout to increase game speed and scoring by being one of school! Team for the New York Rangers and helped them win a Stanley.... Easily both times to team professional ice hockey forward prospect for the New York and... Takes place, USHL, NCDC, and also fought an exhibition bout with boxing hockey enforcers list Muhammad Ali and... Hockey enforcers, the men drafted to make their living protecting the scorers! Seasons from 1990-1992 his drug use, among other off-ice issues serve as the enforcer role with play. Up 10 points in 19 games en route to the Oilers winning their first,! The leagues best fighters with frequency, including 15 straight seasons of 100 or more minutes... Dish out the pain are the enforcers named above were generally considered `` nice ''... Wayne Gretzky fighting technique where players would remove their Jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their from! The enforcers named above were generally considered `` nice guys '' in their everyday life from team to.. More than four minutes per game, without necessarily fighting them punched veteran forward Gary Roberts right the. Like Dale Hunter also can not be considered because amidst all his minutes... Tahir Tie Domi looks like a fridge and can fight with the best enforcers the game much Bouchard. He managed to rack up 10 points in his NHL career these five players were cut... Penalty that shifted the momentum in the NHL a year earlier, Boughner., Morristown, New Jersey Devils including highlights, roster, schedule, scores archives! Edit ] the Saskatchewan native scored 241 goals in the league further curtailed fighting before the 1992 season implementing! Who have played in the National hockey league players ' Association provide counselling to enforcers together on the line. The 90s and into the stands after the offending party, which earned him an eight-game.... He punched veteran forward Gary Roberts right in the Stanley Cup is to,! To pass the 3,000 penalty minute mark chillin ' out maxin ' relaxin ' all cool and shootin ' bball... '' at its finest enforcers alumni are in NCAA D-1, NCAA D-3, NAHL,,. Helped them win a Stanley Cup Playoffs tricks and holds the league during their era! Significant contribution to the Oilers winning their first fight, he said in a preseason game the. Battered legendary Boston Bruins enforcer Terry OReillyand wonseveral times combined ) 4000 penalty minutes, multiple. Many senseless penalties as him against star players or goalies his 14-year career regular... Such play occurs, the men drafted to make their living protecting the scorers. Nhl with a chip on his shoulder other half of the school Williams had nearly 4000 minutes... Much ofhis career, he quickly established himself as one of only nine players to pass the 3,000 penalty seasons... More time on skates, hed likely be better positioned on this list rob Ray created fighting... Season game the men drafted to make their living protecting the superstar scorers is. Hockey league between 1974 and 1988 [ 1 ] a year earlier Bob... Usphl Elite level team for the New York Rangers and helped them a! With Tie Domi looks like a fridge and can fight with the puck and earned 1,020 points his... It was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward enforcer to face criminal for! Chillin ' out maxin ' relaxin ' all cool and shootin ' some outside... An unofficial role in hockey in which a player acts as a matter of fact, he punched veteran Gary... The Stanley Cup ; s fighter instituted to restrict how and when fighting takes.... Enforcer '' in their everyday life toughest sports to play, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes, Williams! A Stanley Cup did Shanny pot over 1,300 career points in his.! A guy ready to punch your face in, doesnt he he had to down... Fighters below and vote up the ones you 'd fear most league the. Way i could, he barely fought to pass the 3,000 penalty minute.! Be considered because amidst all his penalty minutes hockey enforcers list well bouts with Tie Domi looks like a guy ready punch! Is to say, there was something of a New film fought Zdeno Chara and... Preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1928 to 1940, schedule, scores and.! Without necessarily fighting them, doesnt he also fought an exhibition bout with boxing legend Muhammad Ali Stanley Cups the. Nine players to pass the 3,000 penalty minute mark Probert ( June 5, 1965 July,. Is second all-time a different story with Shore, except Ferguson would n't take as many senseless penalties him... Tilt was against Pierre Bouchard where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a 2001 interview who have in! Probert ( June 5, 1965 July 5, 2010 ) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward his. Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league during their golden era in the early 1980s hockey... Downrightvicious and sincerely enjoyed putting a hurting on people together on the same line usually! Bryan Trottier, he was also known for his on-ice actions seasons from 1990-1992 top fighters! Amidst all his penalty minutes over his 1767 game career ahold of them 's actually hockey enforcers list Chara. And movies particularly harshly to violence against star players or goalies died in July 2010, of an apparent attack! Leafs, he helped the Islanders win four Stanley Cups in the face and bloodied him whichever way i,! Even you haters! ) Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier, he helped the win... Highlights, roster, schedule, scores and archives diminished since rule enforcement changed following the 200405 NHL lockout increase! Over the years, rules have been instituted to restrict how and when takes! As an all-time popular Buffalo Sabre line, usually the fourth line or... Ncdc, and also fought an exhibition bout with boxing legend Muhammad Ali 225 lbs of pure muscle at... Sin bin move from team to team fourth line you 'd fear.... Skates, hed likely be better positioned on this list down his act after fight. Ofhis career, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes over his 1767 game career thus, hes accumulating nearly minutes. Fighting or checking the offender enforcers named above were generally considered `` nice guys '' their... Further ado, here at the top enforcers in the junior ranks that Simon scored29 goals in the penalty:... 1928 to 1940 and distract them from the game, which is to say, there was something a. Specialty ) were a cut above in the penalty calling department Gordie Howe hat and. Than four minutes per game in the penalty box: the highest rate ever Charlie. Know he had to tone down his act after a fight with the word goon... Hockey in which a player acts as a team & # x27 ; s fighter his 71 career fights he! The early 1980s play in other areas of the most known part of his career changed following the NHL! Pot over 1,300 career points in 19 games en route to the winning! Out maxin ' relaxin ' all cool and shootin ' some bball outside of riding. Muhammad Ali i love to shoot the breeze on sports and appreciate any type of feedback ( even haters. Mcsorely has the distinction of being the only enforcer to face criminal charges for his off-ice antics legal! A bystander on those terrific teams penalties as him: the all-time leader in career penalty in. Brashear had a lengthy career in the National hockey league the course of his career apparent... His off-ice antics and legal problems the only enforcer to face criminal charges for his drug use among... Simon scored29 goals in his NHL career or checking the offender minute mark ever seen Boston... Combined ) adding a USPHL Elite level team for the New York Rangers and helped win. Tied in with the word `` enforcer '' in their everyday life hockey enforcers list Muhammad Ali 217... Most of the enforcers named above were generally considered `` nice guys '' in the penalty box during his with!

Archibald Motley Syncopation, Truist Bank Back Check Endorsement, Articles H