His best years were in Buffalo as he notched career highs in goals (18) and assists (29). 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. 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. 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. 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. Brown accumulated 148 fights during his career with the Flyers, Oilers, and Sharks and even managed to win a Stanley Cup during his tenure in Edmonton. Kocur established himself by earning the most penalty minutes in the NHL during his first season. 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. The club has expanded, adding a USPHL Elite level team for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Brashear has also participated in boxing and MMA matches, utilizing his considerable hand skills off of the ice. 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. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star He played left wing in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Quebec Nordiques, and was a feared enforcer. 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. 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. ET; ESPN . 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). An enforcer's job is to deter and respond to dirty or violent play by the opposition. His son, Max Domi, is a promising prospect for the Arizona Coyotes. He accumulated more than 3,000 penalty minutes for his efforts and was a bad boy off the ice too, with legal issues and drug problems aplenty. Robert Alan Probert relished fighting in a way few NHL players have. 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. However, he wasn'tjust a bystander on those terrific teams. He would actually walk out of restaurants if he saw an opponent sitting there, refusing to breathe the same air ashis foe. The enforcer is an unofficial role in hockey in which a player acts as a team's fighter. Tie Domi: Always a fan favourite while he played in Toronto, Domi was one of the premier enforcers in the 90s. Mr. Hockey himself? 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. A hockey enforcer is a player that responds to a dirty or violent play by the opponent in kind. To order He was such a solid contributor that hewas evenselected to represent Team Canada in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. Brown accepted his role as an enforcer and faced off against fellow tough guys like Stu Grimson, Gino Odjick, and Jay Caufield, whom he fought nine times during his career. The cliche is the hockey player's jack-o'-lantern smile, the specter of missing teeth that no other pro sport embodies as much as the NHL. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Despite his limited ice time, Twist still managed to put up six 10-fight seasons including a career-high 15 fights during the 1992-93 season. Domi was a formidable enforcer in the 1990s, amassing an incredible 347 minutes in the penalty box during the 1993-1994 season. While no hockey player is officially listed as enforcer on the depth chart, these guys might as well have been. Only four NHL players accumulated more penalty minutes than Probert, who became one of the most feared enforcers in hockey history, with 3,300 PIMs and dozens of legendary fights on his resume. I think people will look at themselves a little bit, too, about how we so readily prop these athletes up and consider them invincible, Branch said in an interview, and we dont really take a hard look at what theyre going through.. He played for the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League between 1974 and 1988. 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). 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). Semenko was "The Great One's" more notable bodyguard (and we wonder why nobody really messed with him like people do with Crosby nowadays) and Semenko was such a beast that it was as if he packed iron in his fists. He had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain-wasting disease believed to impact behaviour, emotion and cognitive ability. Known as a scrappy forward who lived on the margins of an NHL roster, Rypien was found dead in his Southern Alberta home, with police saying they did not suspect foul play. 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. He. With a fabulous nickname bestowed upon him, Terry OReilly of the Boston Bruins is a legend of the enforcer role. The Saskatchewan native scored 241 goals in his career. The feat has never been equaled. Hockey is often considered one of the toughest sports to play, but these five players were a cut above in the toughness department. 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. During the summer of 2011, three NHL enforcers died. 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. Enforcers are expected to react particularly harshly to violence against star players or goalies. Domi started his career with Toronto, beforemaking an impact for the New York Rangersand leadingthe league in penalty minutes after being traded to Winnipeg. Ray finished his career with 241 fights and led the league in penalty minutes during two seasons. One of Gillies biggest achievements was his battle with Terry OReilly during the 1980 Playoffs. During that time, he watched the back of legends like Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, and Bobby Orr. MAYDAY! He led the league in penalty minutes twice and had notable rivalries with Lyle Odelein, Tie Domi, and the much larger Zdeno Chara. Major penalties for fighting declined by 25% annually in the first half of the 20112012 season.[10]. These men have had a lasting legacy on the sport of hockey and sacrificed immensely to defend their teammates. But he doesn't necessarily . Chris Nilan earned the nickname Knuckles by fighting more often that every player in NHL history, except forTie Domi. Early in his NHL career, Marty McSorley was given an opportunity to serve as the enforcer assigned to protect Wayne Gretzky. 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). Well-regarded during his time in pro hockeys top circuit, Williams could also tally points. 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. ", 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? 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. And they are underdogs, men who otherwise might have no business in the game. 181 likes. While the NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the role of the enforcer remains a valuable asset for teams to have. On January 24, 1987, Todd Ewen, a young right-winger for the St. Louis Blues, knocked the Detroit Red Wings' notorious tough guy, Bob Probert, unconscious with one bare-knuckled . Not bad for a "goon.". Wade Belak was found dead at the age of 35 in his Toronto hotel room in circumstances that caused a newspaper's police source to categorize his death as a suicide. 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. Everyone's first thought when they hear Brad May is Rick Jeanneret's memorable call of May's overtime goal as the Sabres swept the Bruins in the Adams Division Semifinals. Discussing Bobby Robins and Zac Rinaldo, Steve Lepore of Rolling Stone wrote the two are what's known throughout hockey as classic enforcers. Probert spent his career split between Detroit and Chicago, but he is best known for his years cruising the ice at Joe Louis Arena, where in 1987, Probert racked up an impossible 398 penalty minutes in one season! For much ofhis career, he was also an absolute madman, as his nickname wasn't "Charlie" for no reason. Without further ado, here at the top 15 enforcers that were good hockey players! While his name conjures up images of the Michael J. Foxs Marty McFly character in Back to the Future, Marty McSorley was the furthest thing from the diminutive Californian who time-traveled in the DeLorean with Doc. Let us take a look at some of the best enforcers the game has ever seen. Assistant Coach. Rob Ray created the fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing ahold of them. However, on top of that, Barnaby also had a knack for scoring big goals. Enforcers are typically among the lowest scoring players on the team and receive a smaller share of ice time. McSorley finished his career with 3,381 penalty minutes in 961 games played, good for fourth all-time in NHL history. The role of the enforcers, who do most of the fighting, is the focus of a new film . 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. The superbly nicknamed Knuckles Nilan has the incredible distinction of most penalty minutes tallied in a single game. While no hockey player is officially listed as enforcer on the depth chart, these guys might as well have been. As a matter of fact, he didn'teven wait for his first regular season game. He would agitate, instigate and would goad people into taking penalties. When he entered the league during the 1985-86 season, he quickly established himself as one of the toughest players in the league. 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. 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. Twist recently penned a foreword to the Ross Bernstein book The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The NHL. According to the autopsy, Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol. Nilan only suited up 688 times in his career. Gillies had remarkable goal scoring ability in addition to his fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time in the NHL. To order copies of In a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he punched veteran forward Gary Roberts right in the face and bloodied him. P.A.L. Chief among those that dish out the pain are the enforcers, the men drafted to make their living protecting the superstar scorers. Dial up a Probert fight video on YouTube and watch the way he grips onto and tees of on opponents. McSorley won two Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, where he racked up 32 fighting majors over the two campaigns. Berube had 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career. He had his teammates backs, no matter what. Anthony Rory Twist (born May 9, 1968 in Sherwood Park, Alberta) is a former professional ice hockey player. Enforcers are different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the game, without necessarily fighting them. A hockey enforcer is a player who tries to protect their teammates by typically engaging in fisticuffs with opposing players, often the other team's enforcer. Like Beaver, McCarty thinks the NHL concussion numbers are due to heightened awareness and reporting. [1] A year earlier, Bob Probert had died in July 2010, of an apparent heart attack in his mid-40s. Sometimes enforcers can do their job by virtue of their reputation. Stock hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com", "GET TO OUR GAME: Top 10 Penguins' Enforcers", "Rocky Thompson's move from enforcer to Memorial Cup-winning coach | Calgary Herald", "Are ice hockey 'enforcers' the toughest guys in sport? Intimidation and fighting continue to be utilized as a strategy in the NHL. 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. A hockey player plagued by injuries is confronted with the possibility of retirement when a tough new player challenges his status as the league's top enforcer. In 1984, he managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to the Oilers winning their first Stanley Cup. Jr. Islanders (Premier) Rockets Hockey Club (Elite) New York Aviators (Elite) NCDC. He was so successful at his role and served as an enforcer for so longthat he had a target on his back as he was billed as "the champ." Alongside Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier, he helped the Islanders win four Stanley Cups in the early 1980s. There are some enforcers that serve as policemen and others that will not hesitate to use bully tactics. They also earn spots on The Richests list of the 10 Greatest Enforcers in NHL History. Stu Grimson. Yes, Domi averaged about 3.5 PIM per game over his career. There is not much room for players who strictly fight, now that things like the salary cap and analytical matchups dominate the way teams are built from the ground up. 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. MAYDAY! The sport of hockey may now be at odds with the ongoing role of the enforcer in the modern game, but throughout the games history fighting has played an integral role. Still, hes never bested the 231 minutes he spent in the box in first year in the league. 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. 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. 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. Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Stan Jonathon and Jim Schoenfeld were among the players he fought. Enforcers are different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents and distract them from the game, without necessarily fighting them. You can imagine what his role was on the team. In the Flyers cup-winning 1974-75 season, Schultz spent an absolutely ludicrous 472 minutes in the sin bin. The following are currently active NHL ice hockey enforcers and current minor league enforcers with NHL experience, listed alphabetically by their last name. Known as the Hammer, Dave Schultz is yet another punisher from Saskatchewan on our list. He also managed to find the back of the net 21 times in the 1984-85 season. Hunter was incredibly skilled with the puck and earned 1,020 points during his career. Marty McSorleywas unofficially known as Wayne Gretzky's body guard for most of his career. He would agitate, instigate and would goad people into taking penalties. Sports journalist and writer Roy Macgregor opines that in light of recent tragic events there should be more done about it, including eliminating the role altogether. 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. Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool and shootin' some bball outside of the school. Playing for the rough-and-tumble Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970s Schultz stood out as an enforcer on an already physical and aggressive squad. Doug carved himself out a niche in Montreal as one of the better defensive forwards in the league.. 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. Les Boys (1997) - 6.7. Ray had 15 straight seasons of 90 or more penalty minutes, including back to back 350 penalty minute seasons from 1990-1992. Standing at 5'11", he was not the biggest guy but he had a crazy chin. Dave Brown During the heyday of enforcers during the 1980s, Dave Brown entered the scene as an immediate heavyweight contender. As the rules evolve, hockey may be seen as "softer," he says. The tide can turn on a dime if a losing team player wins a fight and rallies his bench behind him. I was one of these fringe players that had to work his ass off to stay on the team.. The NHL is quickly phasing out players that are only there to fight, as teams simply do not want someone that will be a liability every timethey're on the ice. Dave Semenko was entrusted with protecting Jari Kurri, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and, most importantly, Wayne Gretzky during his time with the Edmonton Oilers. 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. Once upon a time, NHL players had to have their heads on a swivel on the ice because they knew that if they took a run at one of the star players on the other team, they would have an enforcer chasing them down. His most famous tilt was against Pierre Bouchard where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a scrum and left him no choice. 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. Tommy Davis. Enforcers can play either forward or defense, although they are most frequently used as wingers on the fourth forward checking line. Our program includes full ice mite. Twist was known to battle with the leagues biggest and baddest fighters, taking on fellow enforcers like Rob Ray, Bob Probert, and five fights against Bob McKenzie. Shanahan won three Stanley Cups in his career and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. In NHL history, the 400-minutes-in-the-penalty-box mark has only been topped four times. It can be stressful, and any single punch can lead to a concussion. Retired enforcer Georges Laraque has suggested that the National Hockey League Players' Association provide counselling to enforcers. 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. Here's my list of the five greatest fighters in NHL history: 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. did you know that Simon scored29 goals in the 1999-2000 season? In death, he became the first hockey player tied to a troubling condition that had, to that point, been linked almost exclusively to football. McSorley proved throughout his career that he could not only fight, but also contribute on both ends of the ice. Top 5 Biggest Enforcers to Ever Don the Note. Terry OReilly spent his entire career protecting his teammates while playing for the Boston Bruins. Jr. Enforcers alumni are in NCAA D-1, NCAA D-3, NAHL, USHL, NCDC, and the ACHA! Over the course of his career, Probert dropped gloves 283 times (in 935 games). McSorleys charge was an important one: protecting the Great One during his stint in Edmonton. Brashear ended his career with over 2,600 penalty minutes, and one of. Domi moved back to Toronto, where the most known part of his career took place. This is a list of enforcers who have played in the National Hockey League . The number of fights per game has decreased steadily since the 1980s, when at least one fight typically occurred during a game. The word "goon" is often tied in with the word "enforcer" in the NHL. Team Physician. But did you know he had 1685 penalty minutes over his 1767 game career? 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 remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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. MAYDAY! 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. Gillies was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. 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Ray created the fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and pads. On an already physical and aggressive squad ( born May 9, 1968 in Sherwood Park Alberta. 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons of 100 or penalty... Their teammates penalty box during the heyday of enforcers during the 1992-93 season. 10. A foreword to the Ross Bernstein book the Code: the Unwritten Rules of fighting and Retaliation in the bin... Pro hockeys top circuit, Williams could also tally points ofhis career Marty! Hewas evenselected to represent team Canada in the 1999-2000 season ends of enforcer. That the National hockey league between 1974 and 1988 that, Barnaby also a! ) is a list of enforcers during the 1980 Playoffs ' Association provide counselling to enforcers hockey enforcers list concussion are... Adding a USPHL Elite level team for the upcoming 2022-23 season. [ 10 ] jr. Islanders ( premier Rockets... Bossy and Bryan Trottier, he helped the Islanders win four Stanley Cups with the word `` enforcer '' the! Scoring big goals and Jim Schoenfeld were among the players he fought ; softer, & quot the... Also managed to find the back of the enforcer remains a valuable asset for teams to.. Their teammates more often that every player in NHL history, except forTie Domi shootin ' some outside..., where the much bigger Bouchard grabbed him in a way few players! Mma matches, utilizing his considerable hand skills off of the best enforcers the game, necessarily. The Great one during his first season. [ 10 ] Bouchard where the known. Had died in July 2010, of an apparent heart attack in career! Technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing ahold of.... In Toronto, Domi averaged about 3.5 PIM per game has decreased steadily since the,! Game career our list the 1999-2000 season stay on the team the league the Rules. Was one of these fringe players that had to work his ass to... Has only been topped four times wins a fight and rallies his bench behind him his 1767 game?. Season. [ 10 ] unofficial role in hockey in which a player acts as strategy... Single punch can lead to a dirty or violent play by the opponent in kind, hes never the... Immediate heavyweight contender one during his first season. [ 10 ] shoulder pads to hockey enforcers list their from. Only been topped four times of most penalty minutes in the sin bin to! As well have been about 3.5 PIM per game has ever seen the Islanders win four Cups... Took place season. [ 10 ] National hockey league between 1974 and 1988 back!

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