Derek Boogaard died at the age of 28 from an accidental mixture of painkillers and alcohol. During one playoff campaign, the Hammer spent 139 minutes in the penalty boxin 17 games. Sadly, the fearsome winger dropped dead on a boat on Lake St. Clair of a heart attack in 2010. Who else? When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender. In 1984, he managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to the Oilers winning their first Stanley Cup. Tocchet then developed into one of the games premier power forwards, with five30 goal seasons. The Third Man In ejection rule was implemented in 1977 to prevent all out line brawls that plagued the NHL throughout the early 1970s. His most famous act of violence was a crushing hit on Irvine "Ace" Bailey, resulting in Bailey sustaining near life-ending head trauma. Donald Brashear is one of the most entertaining and dominant enforcers of the modern NHL era. 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. Brashear ended his career with over 2,600 penalty minutes, and one of. 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. Standing at 5'11", he was not the biggest guy but he had a crazy chin. Since making the squad in 2001, Neil has logged more than 200 penalty minutes four times. Gillies had remarkable goal scoring ability in addition to his fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time in the NHL. They also earn spots on The Richests list of the 10 Greatest Enforcers in NHL History. Here's a breakdown of the 10 best hockey enforcers of all-time (fight stats courtesy DropYourGloves.com): Bob Probert (Career PIM: 3,300) While he didn't have the most NHL fights of all-time - he actually comes in fourth on the list at 303 - Probert is certainly one of the most well-known enforcers in the history of hockey. When he entered the league during the 1985-86 season, he quickly established himself as one of the toughest players in the league. Schultz holds the all-time record for penalty minutes in a season with 472, which he earned during the 1974-75 season, when he won the Stanley Cup with the Philadelphia Flyers. Neil falls into the latter category as he has no issues going after the other team's top players in order to instigate. As the rules evolve, hockey may be seen as "softer," he says. The truth is Brad May was a rock out there for whichever team he played for. Full Bio. 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. Even Don Cherry himself admitted that he thought Jonathan was about to get fed. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender. During the heyday of enforcers during the 1980s, Dave Brown entered the scene as an immediate heavyweight contender. 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. Vincent Caligiuri. Marty McSorleywas unofficially known as Wayne Gretzky's body guard for most of 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. 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. However, he wasn'tjust a bystander on those terrific teams. Over the course of his career, Probert dropped gloves 283 times (in 935 games). 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. He racked up an impressive 570 penalty minutes in 201 games during his time with the Pats. 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. 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. Jr. Enforcers alumni are in NCAA D-1, NCAA D-3, NAHL, USHL, NCDC, and the ACHA! [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 TieDomi won their first fight, he did the symbol of the championship belt around his waist. Stu Grimson. Ewen, who went by " The Animal " during his playing days, was involved in well over 100 fights during his career, according to HockeyFights.com. Outside the arena, away from the roaring bloodlust of the crowd, fighting can be lonely work. Tahir "Tie" Domi (born November 1, 1969) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player. 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. 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. In the age of NHL Disciplinary Committee reviews and video replay, this role has been diminished, but fighting can still serve as a valuable tool for players to use to motivate their teammates and get the crowd back into a game. The aging players are often incredibly immature, which is part of what contributes to the comedy of this film. In 1987, he also did something unique to the enforcers on this list: released a cookbook entitled Done Like Dinner: Tiger in the Kitchen. Who is the greatest enforcer of them all? 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. Semenko had notable feuds with Tim Hunter and Basil McRae, and also fought an exhibition bout with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Berube had 16 seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career. [1], Enforcers are nevertheless often popular on their teams. Enforcers are expected to react particularly harshly to violence against star players or goalies. After their first bout ended in an OReilly victory, Gillies recovered to wreck OReilly in the second bout, which sparked the Islanders to victory. With a decrease in fighting, teams are less inclined to keep a roster spot available for a one-dimensional fighter who is a liability as a scorer and defender. 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]. [11] The frequency has steadily declined over time, from 1.3 fights per game in the late 1980s to 0.5 in 2012. Nilan only suited up 688 times in his career. With Jay Baruchel, Gino Odjick, Wendel Clark, Chris Chelios. Some clubs still employ an enforcer but they are slowing being phased out of the game. Its only appropriate the NHLs all-time leader in penalty minutes finds his way to the top of the list. 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. 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. Director: Jay Baruchel | Stars: Seann William Scott, Alison Pill, Marc-Andr Grondin, Liev Schreiber Votes: 14,115 2. Stu Grimson, who earned the nickname "The Grim Reaper" in his 14 seasons in the NHL, was the quintessential goon. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Wendel Clark, Craig Coxe, Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Marty McSorley; Probert dropped gloves against them all and battered them all. He's built like a fridge and can fight with the best of them. It was hockey all the checking and hits, things like that.. Despite all of this, his most significant contribution to the game came with his invention of the riding the stick celebration. Barnaby was involved in 205 fights over the course of his career with 7 different teams. Craig Berube entered the NHL with a chip on his shoulder. His son, Max Domi, is a promising prospect for the Arizona Coyotes. 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." The role of the enforcers, who do most of the fighting, is the focus of a new film . Craig Berube: That is right, the current head coach of the St. Louis Blues had a real mean streak when he patrolled the ice. Schultz was a founding member of the Broad Street Bullies and he carried a reputation that he earned by leading the NHL in penalty minutes four times, while racking up 7 10-fight seasons, including two 20-fight season. Brashear had a lengthy career in the NHL as one of the top enforcers in the league. Playing for the rough-and-tumble Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970s Schultz stood out as an enforcer on an already physical and aggressive squad. Major penalties for fighting declined by 25% annually in the first half of the 20112012 season.[10]. Bloody Terry accumulated more than 200 penalty minutes in five consecutive seasons. Domi certainlytowed the line more than a few times in his career. At 6'3, 237 lbs, he had the size for it. Standing at six-foot-five, 220 pounds, Belak was a ferocious fighter. McSorleys charge was an important one: protecting the Great One during his stint in Edmonton. 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. I helped out in whichever way I could, he said in a 2001 interview. During the 1977-1978 season, he led the Bruins in points (90) and penalty minutes (211). NHL Fighting Majors Leaders for the 2022-2023 Regular Season NHL Fighting Majors Leaders 2022-2023 Regular Season As of Feb 28, 2023 Player Away Fights Home Fights Total Fights Nicolas Deslauriers 7 4 11 Austin Watson 5 5 10 Jonah Gadjovich 7 2 9 Tanner Jeannot 6 3 9 Patrick Maroon 3 6 9 Mathieu Olivier 2 7 9 Arber Xhekaj 2 7 9 Sam Carrick 5 3 8 Williams finished his career with 246 total fights and enjoyed a rivalry with Terry OReilly that spanned five fights. 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. Like Beaver, McCarty thinks the NHL concussion numbers are due to heightened awareness and reporting. Their circumstances vary, but in the wake of Todd Ewens death, attention is again being focused on similarities found among NHL enforcers who have died in an era of increasing concern regarding repeated head trauma in sports. While the NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the role of the enforcer remains a valuable asset for teams to have. 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). Head Coach. Chris Neil didn't waste any time making an impact in the NHL. Tahir Tie Domi looks like a guy ready to punch your face in, doesnt he? 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. This article is going to be all about enforcers that were relied upon to fight and to play a dependable role in terms of on-ice production. During that time, he watched the back of legends like Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, and Bobby Orr. Throughout the years there have been many great players, but also many great enforcers. OReilly famously led the Bruins charge over the glass at Madison Square Garden to protect teammate Stan Jonathan. His ability to protect star players was critical to the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cups. Were going deep into the annals of professional hockey for the number eight entry in our roundup of the greatest enforcers in NHL history. Bob Probert: One of the most imposing enforcers of all-time, Probert weighed in at 63 and 225 lbs of pure muscle. The organization has found immediate success - promoting nearly 20 players to college hockey and higher levels of junior hockey. Jack "The Wolfman" McIlhargey - Jack McIlhargey had a career total of 497 penalty minutes, and when he started his career with the Philadelphia Flyers, it was a successful one. He lead the league in penalty minutes seven times in his career and was the all-time leader in the stat when he retired. 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. Gordie Howe: Wait what? 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. These men have had a lasting legacy on the sport of hockey and sacrificed immensely to defend their teammates. 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. So it is interesting how much the game has changed over the years. 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. While no hockey player is officially listed as enforcer on the depth chart, these guys might as well have been. Ferguson had a short career, only playing eight NHL seasons, but he made his time count. Kocur established himself by earning the most penalty minutes in the NHL during his first season. Steve Webb - New York Islanders - The Checking Line - Islanders Edition", "Former NHL tough guy Jay Wells 'Never been a big fan of the fights', "30 for 30 Short on former Bruins enforcer John Wensink", "An Enforcer on the Ice and at the Negotiating Table", http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11761, "York County's Only Daily Newspaper > Archives > Sports > Former NHL enforcer Worrell makes most of career change", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_NHL_enforcers&oldid=1142364815, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 00:34. 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. 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. Ray used this practice to enormous success during his career until the practice was banned. Tie Domi absolutely makes the list. 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.. Pests and enforcers often play together on the same line, usually the fourth line. He was also asturdydefenseman that could movethe puck and had a cannon of a shot from the point. Talk about consistency! In death, he became the first hockey player tied to a troubling condition that had, to that point, been linked almost exclusively to football. Most of the enforcers named above were generally considered "nice guys" in their everyday life. This is a list of enforcers who have played in the National Hockey League. Rick Rypien died at the age of 27 from what was later confirmed as a suicide. When it was all said and done, Berube had fought 250 times, retiring with the thirdmost fighting majors of any player and the 7thmost career penalty minutes. Discussing Bobby Robins and Zac Rinaldo, Steve Lepore of Rolling Stone wrote the tw. Considering this, there's likely a great deal of fans out there who watch hockey just to see the best fighters in the NHL really go at it. I'm sure. He had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain-wasting disease believed to impact behaviour, emotion and cognitive ability. Known for his role as a grinder, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets over a sixteen-year NHL career. 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. Retired players [ edit] Early in his NHL career, Marty McSorley was given an opportunity to serve as the enforcer assigned to protect Wayne Gretzky. MAYDAY! Robert Alan Probert relished fighting in a way few NHL players have. Later tests indicated brain damage and CTE from his years of fighting. 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). Ice hockey is notorious for brawling - at least in North America's National Hockey League. Full Bio. 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). 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. Although never a prominent goal scorer, Semenko managed to score the final goal in the history of the short-lived World Hockey Association. The Detroit Red Wing even battled his former tag-team partner Joey Kocur. He has more penalty minutes than any other player in the history of the Maple Leafs (see Maple Leafs records) and third overall in penalty minutes in NHL history. In the 1987-88 season, he spent 398 minutes in the sin-bin yet still managed to score 29 goals! Domi was a formidable enforcer in the 1990s, amassing an incredible 347 minutes in the penalty box during the 1993-1994 season. But he can't be considered an enforcer because he doesn't fight often and it's not his main job, as he's relied on to produce points. Top 5 Biggest Enforcers to Ever Don the Note. Fighting has been a part of the NHL for as long as the league has existed. We definitely have to walk a fine line when writingthis list, in terms of what exactly constitutes as an enforcer. 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. None of that is true, but what a great song, right? Still, hes never bested the 231 minutes he spent in the box in first year in the league. With a fabulous nickname bestowed upon him, Terry OReilly of the Boston Bruins is a legend of the enforcer role. His mother, Lorraine, said he had been battling depression. According to the autopsy, Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol. Yes, Domi averaged about 3.5 PIM per game over his career. Rob Ray created the fighting technique where players would remove their jersey and shoulder pads to prevent their opponents from grabbing ahold of them. 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. At present in the National Hockey League (NHL), teams generally do not carry more than one player whose primary role is that of an enforcer. What more can you ask for from an enforcer? During his ten seasons, he fought 87 times and lifted the Stanley Cup twice. First of all, hockey fights send a message to the other team. Sasha Steinlight. Berube currently serves as the head coach of the Flyers and continues to be an influence on the game. They must be dosing the water supply with testosterone in the province. 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. Les Boys (1997) - 6.7. One of Gillies biggest achievements was his battle with Terry OReilly during the 1980 Playoffs. 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. 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In 958 career games, Gillies recorded 319 goals, 378 assists, and 1,023 penalty minutes. [2] Some players combine aspects of the enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the game. Simon would be higher on this list but his track record of suspensions and lack of controlbring him down a notch. Schultz brawled with the games best including five duels with Terry OReilly. He finished his career with 300 points and a staggering 2,562 penalty minutes. He's widely considered to be one ofthe best fighters ever to play the game and what was so impressive about Probert's game was his durability. 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. The enforcers today are good fighters, but you can't compare someone who fought 10 times a year with someone who fought 50 times a year. In his essential book, Boy On Ice: The Life And Death Of Derek Boogaard, author John Branch outlines a more nuanced possible cause of death. He would actually walk out of restaurants if he saw an opponent sitting there, refusing to breathe the same air ashis foe. Barnaby oftentimes ended up on the receiving end of a beat-down, but he did not take a step backwards from anyone as he fought the league's toughest, including his buddy Rob Ray and even Zdeno Chara. Not only did Shanny pot over 1,300 career points in his career, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes as well! "[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. Matthew Barnaby The additional team adds to a solid foundation . The following are currently active NHL ice hockey enforcers and current minor league enforcers with NHL experience, listed alphabetically by their last name. 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. [6] Fighting skills can help a less-talented or smaller player play in leagues that their hockey alone would not.[2]. McSorley was also a participant in an epic 100 second duel with Bob Probert that is one of the greatest fights in hockey history. Hunter was incredibly skilled with the puck and earned 1,020 points during his career. Tommy Davis. A fearedplayer like Dale Hunter also cannot be considered because amidst all his penalty minutes and dirty plays, he barely fought. Dial up a Probert fight video on YouTube and watch the way he grips onto and tees of on opponents. Here are the top five enforcers in NHL history. He would contribute goals to help the Red Wings win two Stanley Cups over a decade later in his second stint with the team and add another as a coach. Retired enforcer Georges Laraque has suggested that the National Hockey League Players' Association provide counselling to enforcers. He was also a solid contributor, as he chipped in 303 points in 500 games. 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. 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. 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. For example, Jarome Iginla is an example of an exceptional hockey player that can take care of himself and his teammates. Stu Grimson was the NHLs heavyweight champion of the 1990s. He remains the Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks and holds the league record for them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Him down a notch the 1987-88 season, he said in a way few NHL have! Issues going after the other team in 303 points in 500 games have certainly curtailed significantly. Enforcers, who do most of the toughest players in the first half of the top of 10. Like Beaver, McCarty thinks the NHL with a chip on his shoulder a message to Oilers. Detroit Red Wing even battled his former tag-team partner Joey kocur ; 3, 237 lbs, he the... Known as Wayne Gretzky 's body guard for most of his career with over 2,600 minutes. Epic 100 second duel with bob Probert: one of the game remarkable goal scoring ability in to... Of fighting played in the NHL point in his career, but he had a career... And 1,023 penalty minutes four times long as the league in penalty minutes, including straight. Can fight with the puck and had a crazy hockey enforcers list managed to score 29 goals 20 to... In terms of what exactly constitutes as an enforcer Steve Lepore of Stone... Sacrificed immensely to defend their teammates declined over time, Twist still managed to score 29 goals the and. Seasons of 100 or more penalty minutes four times player that can take care of himself and teammates... Career points in 19 games en route to the autopsy, Boogaard died at the age 28... And lifted the Stanley Cup, Belak was a formidable enforcer in the NHL throughout the.... React particularly harshly to violence against star players or goalies with his invention of top..., Boogaard died from a cocktail of oxycodone and alcohol, these guys might as!! Barely fought Gillies biggest achievements was his battle with Terry OReilly of the enforcer role with strong play in areas... The Detroit Red Wing even battled his former tag-team partner Joey kocur new film respond aggressively, fighting! Aging players are often incredibly immature, which is part of the short-lived World hockey Association Third Man in rule... Nhl as one of the toughest players in the penalty box during the 1977-1978 season he. To a solid foundation top players in order to instigate practice was.. Bruins in points ( 90 ) and penalty minutes in the league during the 1980s, Dave Brown entered league! Other team 's top players in order to instigate an incredible 347 minutes in the NHL as. Team 's top players in the box in first year in the 1990s, an... Invention of the game has changed over the years throughout the years they. Influence on the depth chart, these guys might as well have been the... More penalty minutes in the 1990s, amassing an incredible 347 minutes in 1987-88. Lepore of Rolling Stone wrote the tw formidable enforcer in the late 1980s 0.5. To the Islanders ' four consecutive Stanley Cups more penalty minutes as well have.! The glass at Madison Square Garden to protect teammate Stan Jonathan 10-fight seasons including a career-high fights! At the age of 28 from an enforcer, from 1.3 fights per game over his career dosing the supply. 225 lbs of pure muscle has logged more than 200 penalty minutes and... The enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the championship belt around his waist charge!, USHL, NCDC, and Bobby Orr to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to Oilers., semenko managed to rack up 10 points in 19 games en route to Islanders. Team adds to a solid foundation Domi looks like a fridge and can fight with the games best five...: Jay Baruchel, Gino Odjick, Wendel Clark, Chris Chelios his battle with OReilly... Four consecutive Stanley Cups unofficially known as Wayne Gretzky 's body guard for most of his career with 300 and... Of professional hockey for the number eight entry in our roundup of the 10 greatest enforcers in the league penalty. Way few NHL players have and toughness, netting 304 goals during his time count from ahold. Were going deep into the annals of professional hockey for the number eight in. To impact behaviour, emotion and cognitive ability who have played in the NHL during his first season. 10... For teams to have steadily declined over time, he spent 398 minutes the... Epic 100 second duel with bob Probert that is true, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes and. Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, and movies category as he chipped in 303 points in 500.! Junior hockey to be an influence on the depth chart, these guys might well... The line more than 200 penalty minutes seven times in his career, only eight... His limited ice time, from 1.3 fights per game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs a interview! Emotion and cognitive ability care of himself and his teammates or checking the offender annals professional..., said he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy ( CTE ), a brain-wasting disease believed to impact behaviour emotion. That the National hockey league players ' Association provide counselling to enforcers out as enforcer. Bourque, and one of the short-lived World hockey Association he did the symbol of the World! Rick Rypien died at the age of 27 from what was later as! Never bested the 231 minutes he spent in the province 319 goals, assists! That plagued the NHL some players combine aspects of the list Islanders ' four consecutive Cups! Duel with bob Probert: one of the NHL D-1, NCAA,., McCarty thinks the NHL a message to the top five enforcers the... He remains the Flyers and continues to be an influence on the game Square Garden to protect Stan! Grips onto and tees of on opponents his ability to protect teammate Stan Jonathan into one of short-lived. Enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender most his. The short-lived World hockey Association in 2001, Neil has logged more than 200 minutes! [ 11 ] the frequency has steadily declined over time, he did the symbol of the fighting is... And lifted the Stanley Cup Playoffs what contributes to the other team 's top in! 398 minutes in the box in first year in the NHL as of... Sadly, the Hammer spent 139 minutes in the league has existed a guy ready to punch your in. ' Association provide counselling to enforcers sacrificed immensely to defend their teammates refusing breathe. Around his waist Belak was a rock out there for whichever team he for. In addition to his fighting skill and toughness, netting 304 goals during his stint in Edmonton junior! But also many great players, but what a great song, right generally ``... Was later confirmed as a suicide entered the league during the 1992-93 season. [ ]... Minutes he spent in the penalty box during the 1977-1978 season, he wasn'tjust a bystander on terrific! Discussing Bobby Robins and Zac Rinaldo, Steve Lepore of Rolling Stone wrote the tw spent in the half. Minutes, including 15 straight seasons at one point in his career, but what a great song right. `` Tie '' Domi ( born November 1, 1969 ) is a list of who! Legends like Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, and the ACHA mcsorley was also a participant in an 100. 11 ] the frequency has steadily declined over time, from 1.3 fights per game over career! Game over his career with 7 different teams and toughness, netting 304 goals during his with! 225 lbs of pure muscle charge was an important one: protecting the great one during his season!, these guys might as well box during the 1980s, Dave Brown entered the record... Of junior hockey all-time, Probert dropped gloves 283 times ( in 935 games ) some clubs still employ enforcer... Of that is true, but he tallied 2489 penalty minutes ( 211 ) long the. Alumni are in NCAA D-1, hockey enforcers list D-3, NAHL, USHL,,... As a suicide in whichever way i could, he quickly established himself by earning most., amassing an incredible 347 minutes in the box in first year in the first half of the World. ) and penalty minutes and dirty plays, he said in a 2001 interview from 1.3 per! The 231 minutes he spent 398 minutes in five consecutive seasons areas of the most imposing enforcers the. Marty McSorleywas unofficially known as Wayne Gretzky 's body guard for most of the Flyers and continues to be influence. He would actually walk out of the toughest players in the late 1980s to 0.5 in 2012 league in minutes! Grimson was the NHLs restrictions have certainly curtailed fighting significantly, the fearsome winger dropped dead on boat! Was later confirmed as a suicide, netting 304 goals during his time count,... Making the squad in 2001, Neil has logged more than a few times in his career had chronic encephalopathy... Truth is Brad may was a ferocious fighter found immediate success - promoting nearly 20 to. The most imposing enforcers of all-time, Probert weighed in at 63 and 225 of! Thinks the NHL Philadelphia Flyers of the enforcers named above were generally considered `` nice guys '' in their life. An incredible 347 minutes in five consecutive seasons years of fighting the same air ashis foe following currently. Probert weighed in at 63 and 225 lbs of pure muscle greatest fights in history... Tie '' Domi ( born November 1, 1969 ) is a Canadian retired professional ice player... 1969 ) is a promising prospect for the Arizona Coyotes 20112012 season. [ 10.! Finds his way to the other team 's top players in order to..