Best Hockey Enforcers Of All Time
Ice hockey is known for its physicality, and in the early days of the sport, there were no penalties for fighting. It was common for tough guys on the team, known as "enforcers," to protect their teammates and intimidate the opposition by engaging in on-ice fistfights. While fighting has been largely regulated out of the game today, there are still some players who have built their reputation as enforcers. Here are the best hockey enforcers of all time.
1. Bob Probert
Bob Probert is widely considered to be the greatest enforcer in NHL history. He was a tough, physical fighter who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks over his 16-season career. Probert had 3,300 penalty minutes over 935 games, which ranks fifth all-time in NHL history.
2. Tie Domi
Tie Domi was a fan favorite during his time in the NHL, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets over his 16-year career. He was known for his willingness to fight anyone and everyone, regardless of their size or reputation. Domi had 3,515 penalty minutes over 1,020 games, which ranks third all-time in NHL history.
3. Dave Schultz
Dave Schultz played for the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s and was known as the "Hammer" for his fierce fighting style. He led the league in penalty minutes for two consecutive seasons and was a key player on the Flyers' two Stanley Cup championship teams in 1974 and 1975. Schultz had 2,294 penalty minutes over 535 games.
4. Stu Grimson
Stu Grimson was a big, physical fighter who played for the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, and Anaheim Ducks over his 14-season career. He was known for his long reach and intimidating presence on the ice, and often fought the toughest players in the league. Grimson had 2,113 penalty minutes over 729 games.
5. Marty McSorley
Marty McSorley played for several teams over his 17-year NHL career, including the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins. He was a skilled player who could also fight with the best of them, and famously served as Wayne Gretzky's bodyguard during his time in Los Angeles. McSorley had 3,381 penalty minutes over 961 games.
6. Tiger Williams
Tiger Williams played for several teams over his 14-year NHL career, including the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings. He was known for his high energy and willingness to fight anyone who crossed him or his teammates. Williams had 3,971 penalty minutes over 962 games, which is the most in NHL history.
7. Georges Laraque
Georges Laraque was a big, imposing fighter who played for several teams over his 12-year NHL career, including the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. He was known for his devastating punches and willingness to stand up for his teammates. Laraque had 1,126 penalty minutes over 695 games.
8. Donald Brashear
Donald Brashear played for several teams over his 16-year NHL career, including the Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals. He was a fearsome fighter who was known for his quick fists and ability to take on anyone. Brashear had 2,634 penalty minutes over 1,025 games.
While fighting may not be as prevalent in today's game as it was in the past, these enforcers were an important part of hockey history. They protected their teammates, intimidated their opponents, and provided plenty of entertainment for fans. And while their fighting skills may have been their most notable attribute, they were also skilled players who contributed in other ways to their teams. These eight players will always be remembered as the best hockey enforcers of all time.
