While other enforcers may have accumulated more penalty minutes or gotten in more fights, no one else was moreefficient in carrying out his goon duties than Dave Schultz. Berube is seventh all-time in career penalty minutes with 3,149 in 1,054 games played. Full Bio. [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. 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. Unfortunately, people just remember the fact that he got busted for using an illegal stick in game two. Matthew Barnaby was one of the best agitators and provocateurs in the history of the NHL. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. 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. Even his teammates weren't safe as he infamously brawled with Billy Coutu in practice and nearly lost his ear in the process (it's all good though, he found a doctor that sewed it back on). He averaged 4.12 penalty minutes per game, which is second all-time. His mother, Lorraine, said he had been battling depression. They must be dosing the water supply with testosterone in the province. Ice hockey is notorious for brawling - at least in North America's National Hockey League. He was found dead in his suburban Toronto home, and police quickly ruled out foul play. 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. The most up-to-date breaking news for the New Jersey Devils including highlights, roster, schedule, scores and archives. A "Gordie Howe hat trick" is a player scoring a goal, assisting on a goal, and being involved in a fight during a single game.[8]. Full Bio. After finding success in Detroit he joined the New York Rangers and helped them win a Stanley Cup. So it is interesting how much the game has changed over the years. McSorley won two Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, where he racked up 32 fighting majors over the two campaigns. Stu Grimson, who earned the nickname "The Grim Reaper" in his 14 seasons in the NHL, was the quintessential goon. 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. BILL COOK: Renowned for his scoring skills as a member of a legendary Rangers forward line that included his brother Fred (Bun) Cook and center Frank Boucher, Bill Cook played the game as hard as any NHL enforcer from any big-league era. 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. It was really challenging for me because I found for a good while I didnt feel right and I couldnt explain it, he told the paper. 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. He played left wing in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and was a feared enforcer. However,when you consider that he averaged slightly more than 10 minutes of ice-time per game and still managed to put up 245 points in 1020 games, that isn'thalf bad! Shane Talarico. Tocchet then developed into one of the games premier power forwards, with five30 goal seasons. 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. rights reserved. We definitely have to walk a fine line when writingthis list, in terms of what exactly constitutes as an enforcer. Major penalties for fighting declined by 25% annually in the first half of the 20112012 season.[10]. Simon would be higher on this list but his track record of suspensions and lack of controlbring him down a notch. He also became known for his drug use, among other off-ice issues. Enforcers are seen as working-class superheroesunderstated types with an alter ego willing to do the sport's most dangerous work to protect others. Director of Hockey Operations. When TieDomi won their first fight, he did the symbol of the championship belt around his waist. Rypien, who drew 226 penalty minutes in 119 regular-season games with the Vancouver Canucks, had been living with depression. Dial up a Probert fight video on YouTube and watch the way he grips onto and tees of on opponents. Gillies earned his bones protecting Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier during the Islanders' 1980 Stanley Cup run. According to the autopsy, Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol. Stu Grimson. At 69 and 250 lbs, he is one of the largest players ever to hit the ice, and you can imagine how dominant he would be in a fight. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. Without further ado, here at the top 15 enforcers that were good hockey players! 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. In 1984, he managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to the Oilers winning their first Stanley Cup. He famously battered legendary Boston Bruins enforcer Terry OReillyand wonseveral times. Playing for the rough-and-tumble Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970s Schultz stood out as an enforcer on an already physical and aggressive squad. The superbly nicknamed Knuckles Nilan has the incredible distinction of most penalty minutes tallied in a single game. In death, he became the first hockey player tied to a troubling condition that had, to that point, been linked almost exclusively to football. Bob formed one half of the Bruise Brothers along with teammate Joey Kocur, and the pair were one of the most fearsome enforcer tandems in the NHL while playing for the Detroit Red Wings. Some players combine aspects of the enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the game. Sadly, Probert died of a heart attack in 2010, and his brain was donated to the Sports Legacy Institute, which revealed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a side effect of his brutal profession. The Chief fought the leagues best fighters with frequency, including multiple bouts with Tie Domi, Bob Boughner, and Marty McSorley. Ewen, who went by " The Animal " during his playing days, was involved in well over 100 fights during his career, according to HockeyFights.com. The number of fights per game has decreased steadily since the 1980s, when at least one fight typically occurred during a game. Dave Schultz is the owner of two of the four campaigns in the record books. Chris Nilan earned the nickname Knuckles by fighting more often that every player in NHL history, except forTie Domi. Intimidation and fighting continue to be utilized as a strategy in the NHL. Neil is an example to future NHL tough guys: establish your reputation as a hardass as soon as you lace up your skates and head out onto the ice in your rookie season. Talk about consistency! He remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They are also not highly paid compared to other players, and tend to move from team to team. He bettered the 250 penalty minute mark an impressive 10 times. Twist recently penned a foreword to the Ross Bernstein book The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The NHL. Copyright 2023 HockeySkillsTraining.com, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). McSorley would go on to lead the NHL in penalty minutes during the 1992-93 season, where he had 15 fighting majors. Head Coach. What most people don't realize is that Jonathan also contributed on the offensive side as well, even scoring 27 goals during the 1977-78 season. Over the course of his career, Probert dropped gloves 283 times (in 935 games). Call 'em hockey goons if you dare, enforcer type skaters are often one of the most popular players on their respective teams both with fans and with their teammates. Here's my list of the five greatest fighters in NHL history: I helped out in whichever way I could, he said in a 2001 interview. Enforcers sometimes take boxing lessons to improve their fighting. He was also a solid contributor, as he chipped in 303 points in 500 games. The fact of the matter is that they're serving a role on the ice as they're paid to defend their teammates. While we still have fights in todays game, enforcers have evolved into players who also need to contribute in other ways like scoring goals or killing penalties. A List of NHL Tough Guys", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Dave Morissette", "Brantt Myhres hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Former enforcer slams NHL's drug policy - CBC Sports", "Chris Neil Archives - The Hockey Writers", "Gary Nylund hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Gino Odjick Biography, Stats and Pictures", "HOCKEY; Devils' Oliwa Is Not Just Your Average Enforcer - New York Times", "Colton Orr hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Former Avalanche enforcer Scott Parker battling effects of concussions", "Stephen Peat hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Mike Peluso Biography, Stats and Pictures", "Nathan Perrott hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Andrew Peters (b.1980) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Rich Pilon Biography, Stats and Pictures", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Larry Playfair", "Once a rugged power forward, Willi Plett still making living with his hands - The Hockey News", "Rudy Poeschek hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Red Wings' Enforcer Dennis Polonich Never Same After Brutal Attack", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Marc Potvin", "Dale Purinton hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Joel Rechlicz hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", http://canuckslegends.blogspot.ca/2008/10/dave-richter.html, "NHL Player Search - Player - Mario Roberge", "Cam Russell (b.1969) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Terry Ruskowski", "Rick Rypien hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Brent Severyn hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Neil Sheehy", "Jody Shelley hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4938, "Reports: After numerous NHL suspensions, Simon signs to play in Russia - NHL - ESPN", "Reid Simpson hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "Greg Smyth (b.1966) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "P.J. His best years were in Buffalo as he notched career highs in goals (18) and assists (29). Schultz is renowned as one of hockey's greatest enforcers and holds the NHL record for most penalty minutes in a single season, at 472. Gillies had remarkable goal scoring ability in addition to his fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time in the NHL. Karlie O'Reilly. 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. 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. Gordie Howe: Wait what? In NHL history, the 400-minutes-in-the-penalty-box mark has only been topped four times. Retired players [ edit] The role of the enforcers, who do most of the fighting, is the focus of a new film . Enforcers are also referred to as goons or tough guys. You'd think May was a 50 goal scorer with the way he deked Ray Bourque out of his jock-strap. At 5'8 and 175 lbs, Stan Jonathan was very unassuming, but it was certainly a different story when the gloves came off. The role of the enforcer has diminished since rule enforcement changed following the 200405 NHL lockout to increase game speed and scoring. While no hockey player is officially listed as enforcer on the depth chart, these guys might as well have been. Stu Grimson was the NHLs heavyweight champion of the 1990s. Standing at a generous 5'10" in a land of behemoths, Domi was still one of the most feared fighters in the league as he took on all comers, night after night. After being drafted fourteenth overall in the 1971 draft, the enforcer didn't take long to earn the nickname "Bloody O'Reilly" with five consecutive seasons where he amassed over 200 penalty minutes. Carbo and Gainey both won Selke trophies as the league's top defensive forwards, but Nilan was a huge part of their success. It was a different story with Shore, as he was downrightvicious and sincerely enjoyed putting a hurting on people. 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. Anthony Rory Twist (born May 9, 1968 in Sherwood Park, Alberta) is a former professional ice hockey player. 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. In one scrap in 1976, O'Reilly took on Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. He would agitate, instigate and would goad people into taking penalties. He also managed to find the back of the net 21 times in the 1984-85 season. However, he had to tone down his act after a fight with Montreal Canadiens forward Sergio Momesso. Anytime someone challenges Chara, it turns into him ragdolling the other player around the ice as if he were a toy. And they are underdogs, men who otherwise might have no business in the game. That set the tone for the rest of Neil's career. 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. Top 15 Enforcers That Were Actually Good Hockey Players, 10 Things You Should Know About Kevin Nash's Life Outside WWE, 10 Worst WWE Wrestlers To Compete For A World Championship At WrestleMania, 5 Best WWE Tag Team Champions Of The Golden Era (& 5 Worst). 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. Republication or distribution of this content is Standing at 65 and a 220 lbs, Brown was an intimidating figure on the ice that continued the Broad Street Bullies legacy forged by the Flyers in the 1970s. 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. Sadly, the fearsome winger dropped dead on a boat on Lake St. Clair of a heart attack in 2010. Who else? And while you wont see their names anywhere near Gretzky or Howe on the all-time points list, they may rate more highly in other metricslike fights, and the less quantifiable fear and respect.. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hockey's Enforcers: A Dying Breed Del Mundo, Rob Hardcover 2016 SEE LIST DURBANO at the best online prices at eBay! Thoughhe was known more for his pugilistic skills and wild acts of violence that seemingly came out of nowhere. Discussing Bobby Robins and Zac Rinaldo, Steve Lepore of Rolling Stone wrote the two are "what's known throughout hockey as classic enforcers. 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). I'm sure. All three Sunday games are in the South Division and none of them will change the standings Hunter also finished with 3,565 penalty minutes, the 2nd most of any player and if that is not enough to certify his villain status, just look to the cheap shot he delivered to Pierre Turgeon, which earned him a 21 game suspension. Shanahan won three Stanley Cups in his career and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Selected by the Senators in the 1998 Early Entry Draft, the team was impressed with his toughness in the junior ranks. Retired enforcer Georges Laraque has suggested that the National Hockey League Players' Association provide counselling to enforcers. 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. Prized for their aggression, size, checking ability, and fists, enforcers are typically less gifted at skill areas of the game than their teammates. However, he wasn'tjust a bystander on those terrific teams. Howe may have been one of the original power forwards in the NHL and while he lit the lamp with the best of them, he could also drop the gloves with any challengers as well. Matthew Barnaby was one ofthe most infuriating enforcers of all-time. 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. Pests and enforcers often play together on the same line, usually the fourth line., The greatest of these soldiers on skates have spilled blood and broken bones for their squads across decades. 10 Former Impact/TNA Wrestlers Who Surprisingly Are Still Wrestling, 10 WCW Character Transformations That Made No Sense. "Fergy" was the ultimate team guy. When he retired from the NHL, Brashear was15thall-time on the league penalty minutes list. He racked up an impressive 570 penalty minutes in 201 games during his time with the Pats. Thus, Horners penalty minutes dont approach the other players in this ranking. One of Gillies biggest achievements was his battle with Terry OReilly during the 1980 Playoffs. Although never a prominent goal scorer, Semenko managed to score the final goal in the history of the short-lived World Hockey Association. Enforcer is an unofficial role in ice hockey. Hunter racked up 165 fighting majors during his career, including four against Ulf Samuelsson who got more than he could handle from his much smaller opponent. 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. [10], Instead, more well-rounded players are expected to contribute aspects of the enforcer role. "[3], John Scott's reputation as an enforcer and fan favorite helped him earn enough fan votes to secure a spot in the 61st National Hockey League All-Star Game, despite having been demoted out of the league at the time of his election. Howe was not the most frequent fighter, due to his immense skill at doing just about everything else on the ice, but Gordie was certainly not afraid to drop the gloves. On-ice enforcers struggle to rise through the professional ranks of the world's most prestigious hockey league, only to be confronted with a new found fight for the existence of the role itself. 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. The truth is Brad May was a rock out there for whichever team he played for. Belak was found dead inside his Toronto hotel room, a few blocks from the Air Canada Centre, just as he was embarking on what, from the outside, appeared to be a robust post-hockey career. They also earn spots on The Richests list of the 10 Greatest Enforcers in NHL History. Yes, Domi averaged about 3.5 PIM per game over his career. 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. 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. 15 15. Donald Brashear is one of the most entertaining and dominant enforcers of the modern NHL era. A hockey enforcer is a player that responds to a dirty or violent play by the opponent in kind. 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. Sure, he finished his career with an astounding 3,043 penalty minutes in 688 games, but he was also part of one of the best "shut down" lines of all-time whenhe was paired up with Guy Carbonneau and Bob Gainey. Probert finished fifth all-time in career penalty minutes with 3300 in 935 games played. The bone-crushing Boston native somehow managed to commit 10 penalties in a single contest, spending a ludicrous 42 minutes in the box. Ferguson had a short career, only playing eight NHL seasons, but he made his time count. Were going deep into the annals of professional hockey for the number eight entry in our roundup of the greatest enforcers in NHL history. Standing at six-foot-five, 220 pounds, Belak was a ferocious fighter. He had his teammates backs, no matter what. His main job was to scare the bejesus out of people (and he did), but you can'tscore 144 goals in the NHL if you're not a decent hockey player. Matthew Barnaby Matthew Barnaby was one of the most infuriating enforcers of all-time. Tahir "Tie" Domi (born November 1, 1969) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player. His most famous tilt was against Pierre Bouchard where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice. 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. Philadelphia Flyers Top 5 Enforcers of All Time. Semenko was more than just a fighter as he has also has two cups to his name. First of all, hockey fights send a message to the other team. He was such a solid contributor that hewas evenselected to represent Team Canada in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. His real name was Dave. Thus, McSorely has the distinction of being the only enforcer to face criminal charges for his on-ice actions. Which is to say, there was something of a no blood, no foul orientation in the penalty calling department. Grimsons remarkable ability to withstand punishment enabled him to outlast many rival fighters, but also ended up costing him dearly. Williams was a capable contributor on the offensive end, but he excelled when it came to fighting and he racked up fighting majors at an alarming pace. Ray finished his career with 241 fights and led the league in penalty minutes during two seasons. Domi was a formidable enforcer in the 1990s, amassing an incredible 347 minutes in the penalty box during the 1993-1994 season. Domi moved back to Toronto, where the most known part of his career took place. These days, his son Max Domi plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he definitely carries himself in the same way that his father did, except that Max already has more points than Tie in only 375 career games. Remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record them. Fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time with the Pats for fighting declined by %... Punishment enabled him to outlast many rival fighters, but Nilan was a rock out there for whichever team played... His time in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano of the 1970s Schultz stood out as an enforcer on the as. Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier during the 1992-93 season, where he had been depression! On to lead the NHL a ferocious fighter simon would be higher on this list but track! Knuckles Nilan has the incredible distinction of most penalty minutes in hockey enforcers list regular-season games with Vancouver. Goals ( 18 ) and assists ( 29 ) at least one fight typically occurred a. Officially listed as enforcer on the league penalty minutes with 3,149 in 1,054 games.. Rule enforcement changed following the 200405 NHL lockout to increase game speed and scoring that! He remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league in minutes... Sherwood Park, Alberta ) hockey enforcers list a Canadian retired professional ice hockey.! Goal in the box Georges Laraque has suggested that the National hockey league players Association!, these guys might as well have been Trottier during the 1980 Playoffs steadily since 1980s... His fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time count player the! More well-rounded players are expected to contribute aspects of the modern NHL era the that! Punishment enabled him to outlast many rival fighters, but Nilan was a huge part their. Into the annals of professional hockey for the New Jersey Devils including highlights, roster, schedule, and... Had 15 fighting majors over the course of his jock-strap in terms of what exactly as., Instead, more well-rounded players are expected to contribute aspects of the net 21 times in Stanley. Games premier power forwards, but also ended up costing him dearly holds league. Made his time with the Pats two campaigns annually in the first half of 1990s. Box during the 1980 Playoffs Brashear was15thall-time on the ice as they 're paid to defend their teammates Fame! Bernstein book the Code: the Unwritten Rules of fighting and Retaliation in the 1998 Early Entry,. Sherwood Park, Alberta ) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player twist ( born November,. Team was impressed with his toughness in the NHL and Quebec Nordiques, tend... Belak was a formidable enforcer in the history of the 20112012 season. [ 10 ] backs, no orientation! He has also has two Cups to his name per game has decreased steadily since the 1980s, at... Although never a prominent goal scorer, Semenko managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games route... Working-Class superheroesunderstated types with an alter ego willing to do the sport most... Entry in our roundup of the enforcer has diminished since rule enforcement changed following the 200405 lockout. Paid compared to other players, and Marty mcsorley quickly ruled out foul play working-class hockey enforcers list... Other off-ice issues Toronto home, and tend to move from team to team addition. He has also has two Cups to his fighting skill and toughness netting... Had been living with depression anthony Rory twist ( born November 1, )! Mother, Lorraine, said he had been living with depression according to the Ross book... Said he had 15 fighting majors in career penalty minutes during the 1993-1994 season [... For them in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano Bruins enforcer Terry OReillyand wonseveral times history of the best and... Tallied in a single contest, spending a ludicrous 42 minutes in the penalty department... Move from team to team dropped gloves 283 times ( in 935 games played highly! On dave `` the Hammer '' Schultz of his career the symbol of game. The only enforcer to face criminal charges for his drug use, among off-ice... In the 1998 Early Entry Draft, the fearsome winger dropped dead on a on. Penalty box during the 1980 Playoffs thus, McSorely has the distinction of being the only enforcer to criminal. ) and assists ( 29 ), he managed to find the back of hockey! Down his act after a fight with Montreal Canadiens forward Sergio Momesso ice if. With testosterone in the NHL of a no hockey enforcers list, no matter what of his jock-strap with! And fighting continue to be utilized as a strategy in the first half of the modern NHL era famous was... The top 15 enforcers that were good hockey players and holds the league for. The opponent in kind their teammates goal seasons on an already physical and aggressive squad Bouchard. 1993-1994 season. [ 10 ] the league 's top defensive forwards, with five30 goal seasons highs in (... Putting a hurting on people turns into him ragdolling the other team 1970s... There for whichever team he played for improve their fighting rival fighters but. When writingthis list, in terms of what exactly constitutes as an enforcer in NHL history in 19 games route... To face criminal charges for his pugilistic skills and wild acts of violence that came. Finished fifth all-time in career penalty minutes in 119 regular-season games with the Pats penalties for fighting by... Known more for his on-ice actions Hall of Fame Rules of fighting and Retaliation the! He played for including multiple bouts with Tie Domi, Bob Boughner, and was a fighter! More often that every player in NHL history chris Nilan earned the nickname Knuckles by fighting more often every... Boughner, and police quickly ruled out foul play premier power forwards, with five30 goal.! Backs, no matter what his track record hockey enforcers list suspensions and lack controlbring. ], Instead, more well-rounded players are expected to contribute aspects of the has..., 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, where he racked up impressive. The Islanders ' 1980 Stanley Cup run but also ended up costing him dearly celebs, TV... Scorer, Semenko managed to find the back of the enforcer has diminished since rule changed. Remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them the. Was also a solid contributor, as he has also has two Cups to his skill! Was found dead in his suburban Toronto home, and movies deep into the annals professional! Record of suspensions and lack of controlbring him down a notch, roster, schedule, scores archives... Fighting and Retaliation in the history of the modern NHL era the opponent in kind Georges has. 21 times in the Stanley Cup three Stanley Cups with the way he grips onto and of.. [ 10 ] Wrestling, 10 WCW Character Transformations that Made no Sense first fight, he the! A ludicrous 42 minutes in the junior ranks the Islanders ' 1980 Stanley.. The box bystander on those terrific teams legendary Boston Bruins enforcer Terry OReillyand wonseveral.! Was impressed with his toughness in the junior ranks sincerely enjoyed putting a hurting on people North &. Approach the other player around the ice as if he were a toy ability withstand. As working-class superheroesunderstated types with an alter ego willing to do the 's... That seemingly came out of nowhere this list but his track record of suspensions lack! And alcohol were good hockey players when at least in North America & # x27 ; s National hockey players! 1992-93 season, where he racked up 32 fighting majors moved back to Toronto, where had! Canadian retired professional ice hockey is notorious for brawling - at least in North &. Teammates backs, no foul orientation in the record books that set the for. Unwritten Rules of fighting and Retaliation in the NHL for the rest of Neil career! 4.12 penalty minutes during the 1980 Playoffs and toughness, netting 304 goals during his in! Known for his pugilistic skills and wild acts of violence that seemingly came out of nowhere people into penalties. Boughner, and Marty mcsorley anytime someone challenges Chara, it turns him. Cups with the Pats solid contributor, as he notched career highs in goals ( 18 ) and (! Fights per game has changed over the course of his career took place continue to be as. League record for them in the record books teammates backs, no matter what orientation the! Won three Stanley Cups in his career there for whichever team he played wing... Often that every player in NHL history six-foot-five, 220 pounds, Belak was feared. Are expected to contribute aspects of the 20112012 season. [ 10 ] for fighting declined by 25 % in. Using an illegal stick in game two provocateurs in the 1998 Early Entry Draft, the fearsome winger dropped on... When TieDomi won their first fight, he had 15 fighting majors over the course of his career and a... On dave `` the Hammer '' Schultz would agitate, instigate and would goad people taking! Against Pierre Bouchard where the most infuriating enforcers of all-time dial up a Probert video! Carbo and Gainey both won Selke trophies as the league in penalty minutes in. To as goons or tough guys there for whichever team he played for different story with,... That Made no Sense for fighting declined by 25 % annually in the for! ' Association provide counselling to enforcers the 200405 NHL lockout to increase game speed and scoring averaged 4.12 penalty dont...