Hardest Hockey Hits Of All Time
Ice hockey is one of the most exciting sports in the world, with a rich history of big hits and tough plays. Fans around the world thrill at the sight of players smashing into each other at full force, leaving their opponents crumpled on the ice. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the hardest hockey hits of all time, showcasing the incredible strength and skill of some of the greatest players in the game.
The Hit Heard Around The World: Bobby Orr vs. Lou Nanne
Bobby Orr is one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time, and his legendary hit on Minnesota’s Lou Nanne in 1970 is still talked about to this day. Orr, playing for the Boston Bruins, took out Nanne with an incredible body check that sent him flying through the air and crashing to the ice.
The Dominator: Dominik Hasek vs. Matthew Barnaby
Goalies are usually the ones getting hit, but Dominik Hasek was no ordinary goalie. Known for his incredible athleticism and toughness, Hasek was not afraid to take on anyone who dared come near his net. In 1996, he famously took on Matthew Barnaby of the Buffalo Sabres, throwing him to the ground with a powerful hit that left Barnaby dazed and confused.
The Finnish Flash: Teemu Selanne vs. Paul Kariya
Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya were two of the most exciting players of their generation, and their partnership on the Anaheim Ducks was the stuff of legend. But in 1997, Selanne accidentally hit Kariya in the head with his stick, knocking him out cold. Kariya would return to the ice later in the game and score a goal, cementing his status as one of the toughest players in the game.
The Hammer: Scott Stevens vs. Eric Lindros
Scott Stevens was known for his bone-crushing hits, and his 2000 hit on Eric Lindros is a prime example of his power. Stevens caught Lindros with his head down and delivered a hit that knocked him out of the game – and the playoffs. The hit was controversial at the time, but it remains one of the hardest hits in NHL history.
The Russian Rocket: Pavel Bure vs. Shane Churla
Pavel Bure was one of the most electrifying players in NHL history, known for his incredible speed and skill. But he was also tough as nails, as evidenced by his 1996 hit on Shane Churla of the Dallas Stars. Bure caught Churla with a high hit that sent him flying, knocking him out of the game and earning Bure a reputation as one of the league’s toughest players.
The Great One: Wayne Gretzky vs. Gary Suter
Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, but even he was not immune to hard hits. In 1995, he was taken out by Gary Suter of the Chicago Blackhawks with a hit that left him with a broken jaw. Despite the injury, Gretzky returned to the ice just weeks later, proving once again that he was not just a great player, but also one of the toughest.
The Crusher: Scott Stevens vs. Paul Kariya
Scott Stevens makes another appearance on this list, this time for his hit on Paul Kariya in the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals. Stevens caught Kariya with an elbow to the head that knocked him out cold, but Kariya would return to the ice just moments later to score a dramatic goal. The hit sparked a controversy that still lingers to this day, but there’s no denying that Stevens was one of the hardest hitters of his era.
Ice hockey is a sport full of hard hits, tough plays, and incredible performances. These are just a few of the most memorable hits in the history of the game, showcasing the incredible strength, skill, and bravery of some of the greatest players to ever lace up their skates.
