Dirtiest Hockey Player Of All Time
Hockey is a rough and tumble sport that has always been known for its physicality. While most players abide by a code of fair play, there are a select few who have earned reputations as some of the dirtiest players to ever lace up a pair of skates. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most notorious players in hockey history who have earned the dubious distinction of being the dirtiest players of all time.
1. Tie Domi
Former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi was one of the most feared players in the league during his playing days. He was known for his ferocious fighting ability and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, even if it meant playing dirty. Domi was suspended multiple times throughout his career for cheap shots, including one incident where he sucker-punched New York Rangers defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, breaking his jaw.
2. Dale Hunter
Dale Hunter played 19 seasons in the NHL and was known for his aggressive play and willingness to cross the line. He was notorious for his dirty hits and cheap shots, including a vicious check from behind on Pierre Turgeon during the 1993 playoffs that resulted in a 21-game suspension.
3. Sean Avery
Sean Avery was one of the most polarizing players in the NHL during his playing days. He was known for his abrasive personality and his ability to get under the skin of opposing players. Avery also had a reputation for playing dirty, including an incident in which he screened New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur by waving his arms and stick in front of Brodeur's face.
4. Marty McSorley
Marty McSorley was one of the toughest players in NHL history and was known for his physical play and willingness to fight. However, McSorley also had a reputation for playing dirty and was suspended for 23 games in 2000 for slashing Vancouver Canucks forward Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.
5. Ulf Samuelsson
Ulf Samuelsson was a notorious cheap-shot artist during his playing days, earning a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the league. He was known for his knee-on-knee hits and his ability to get under the skin of opposing players. Samuelsson was involved in several controversial incidents throughout his career, including the aforementioned incident in which he had his jaw broken by Tie Domi.
6. Matt Cooke
Matt Cooke was one of the most hated players in the NHL during his playing days, and for good reason. He was known for his dirty hits and cheap shots, including an incident in which he targeted Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard with a blindside hit to the head that resulted in Savard suffering a concussion.
7. Claude Lemieux
Claude Lemieux was a skilled player who also had a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the league. He was known for his cheap shots and dirty play, including an incident in which he blindsided Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper from behind, causing Draper to suffer a broken jaw and cheekbone.
Conclusion
While most hockey players play the game with respect and sportsmanship, there are a select few who have earned reputations as some of the dirtiest players to ever take the ice. From Tie Domi's sucker-punch to Ulf Samuelsson's knee-on-knee hits, these players have left a trail of controversy and bad blood in their wake. It's important to remember that hockey is a physical sport, but it's also important to play the game with integrity and respect for your opponents.