Do You Know How Many Penalty Minutes These NHL Enforcers Earned?
- by Logan Sawyer
- – on
- in Sports
In the NHL, enforcers have the most difficult roles on the ice. Enforcers are opposite from pests who try to draw penalties while not intending to fight players. When there are violent or unsportsmanlike acts on the ice, an enforcer will intervene by violently checking or fighting another player. Their main goal is often to protect the star player of the team from getting injured or hit.
There are generally two types of enforcers. One type of enforcer has many talents and can be a terrific goal scorer, but there is also another type involving purely physical players.
The enforcer role has been diminishing in recent years due to stricter regulations on the ice and a shift in team strategies. Despite stricter regulations they still remain and likely won't disappear for a while. Enforcers uses are too valuable to teams and can win Stanley Cup Championships.
An enforcer can fear for their safety. They have to make required hits and constantly run the possibility of being seriously injured. It is the most terrifying role because of the great sacrifices they make. Without enforcers like Marty McSorley and Dave Semenko, we wouldn't have league leaders like Wayne Gretzky who were given opportunities to score goals.
How many penalty minutes did these NHL enforcers accumulate? Good luck.
Did Donald Brashear accumulate 2,634 penalty minutes during his career?
Donald Brashear played for the Vancouver Canucks during the majority of his career. He is one of the leaders in penalty minutes and is ranked as the 15th best in NHL history. During an unsportsmanlike incident, Marty McSorley dangerously slashed Brashear in the temple causing possibly the most violent attack in NHL history. Brashear had a seizure from the incident and was knocked unconscious. The incident was extremely reckless. Did Donald Brashear accumulate 2,634 penalty minutes during his career in the NHL?
Did Tie Domi accumulate 3,515 penalty minutes during his career?
One of the NHL’s most recognizable fighters is Tie Domi. The Toronto Maple Leafs became widely recognized for having one of the greatest fighters in NHL history. While Tie Domi was in the penalty box during a match against the Philadelphia Flyers, he emptied a bottle of water on fans seated behind him. As a result, one of the enraged fans who witnessed this, attempted to jump over the glass to attack Tie Domi. The glass shattered and the fan fell into the penalty box causing a fight between Tie Domi and the crazed fan.
Did Shawn Thorton accumulate 1,103 penalty minutes during his career?
Almost all enforcers go through hardships in their career. With a role that is so focused on violence, they are prone to making big mistakes. In an incident on December 7, 2013 Thornton was in the face of controversy when he struck Brooks Orpik from behind and punched him twice in the head, knocking Orpik unconscious. This incident was seen as arbitrary, since it occurred during stoppage of play. This event was fueled by a previous hit from Orpik on Loui Eriksson. Did Thorton accumulate 1,103 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Bobby Orr accumulate 2,012 penalty minutes during his career?
Remarkably, Colton Orr, or “Bobby Orr” as he was often referred to, played nearly 500 games during his career in the NHL. Bobby Orr is viewed by some to have been better than Wayne Gretzky due to being an all-around phenomenal player. His combination of scoring, speed and fighting ability was exasperating to other players. Since he fought constantly, it added to why he was a fan favorite. In relation to other enforcers who played in the NHL, Bobby Orr is likely the most talented overall.
Did John Scott accumulate 544 penalty minutes during his career?
This enforcer has recently retired. He announced his retirement from hockey in a Players’ Tribune article. Before John Scott retired he was a player for the Montréal Canadiens, but also played for the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and the Arizona Coyotes. Scott was made widely popular once he became the captain for the Pacific Division team for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game. Is it true or false that John Scott accumulated 544 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Georges Laraque accumulate 2,489 penalty minutes during his career?
Sports Illustrated named Georges Laraque the No. 1 enforcer of the NHL in 2008. He earned this due to his fierce spirit. From his fights he had very high win-ratios. In each year he would typically win more than 60% of his fights and during the 1994-1995 season, Georges won more than 70%. These fights were against players such as Donald Brashear, Colton Orr, and Eric Godard. Now he acts as a sports commentator and a politician. Did Georges Laraque accumulate 2,489 penalty minutes during his NHL career?
Did Bob Probert accumulate 3,300 penalty minutes during his career?
Alongside his teammate Joey Kocur, Bob Probert became widely known as a member of the “Bruise Brothers.” Probert was valued for the protection he provided for Detroit Redwing’s captain Steve Yzerman. Enforcers often have rivalries that are formed from escalating tensions on the ice. Bob Probert had an ongoing rivalry with Left Winger and Defender Wendel Clark. Even Tie Domi had a rivalry with Bob Probert and with fans following these enforcers under the microscope, the anticipation of fights between these titans became a fascination.
Did Dave Semenko accumulate 3,966 penalty minutes during his career?
Dave Semenko received the nickname “Cement-head” for his stature and mannerisms on the ice. He would steamroll players to clear the way for superstars such as Wayne Gretzky. Once Dave Semenko lasted three rounds with Muhammad Ali in a boxing match. Muhammad Ali is extensively considered to be the greatest boxer of all time. For Dave Semenko to have been willing to go in the ring with Muhammad Ali was baffling. It goes to show that hockey enforcers are tough dudes who can pack a punch.
Did Darren McCarty accumulate 1,625 penalty minutes during his career?
McCarty is another well-known enforcer who played for the Detroit Red Wings. He was definitely one of the more successful players since he was part of a team which won 4 Stanley Cup Championships. This player was recognized as a highly physical player who fought frequently. This is contrary to other enforcers who are all around talented. There is a common element separating enforcers that some are talented at scoring and puck handling and others are purely physical players. Did McCarty accumulate 1,625 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Derek Boogaard accumulate 1,721 penalty minutes during his career?
During his career he received a number of nicknames including “Boogeyman” and “The Mountie.” Primarily this player was known as an enforcer. Although his penalty minutes were less than others it didn’t make him any less intimidating on the ice. Many have speculated that he may be one of the most intimidating enforcers of all time. Unfortunately due to accidental drug overdose, while recovering from a concussion, Derek Boogaard passed away at the age of 28. Is it true or false that Derek Boogaard accumulated 1,721 penalty minutes while in the NHL?
Did Stu Grimson accumulate 1,412 penalty minutes during his career?
Grimson was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and grew up north from Vancouver in Kamploops, British Columbia. As one of the most prolific fighters he received the nickname “The Grim Reaper.” He won many of the fights he instigated and was challenged to. Throughout his career he improved both as a scorer and a fighter. An enforcer can often be less skilled at scoring and puck handling compared to other stars, but they are by no means bad players. The enforcer role has a wide variety of responsibilities which they must excel at.
Did TERRY “TAZ” O’REILLY accumulate 2,095 penalty minutes during his career?
O’ Reilly was signed to the Boston Bruins as a 14th pick in a 1971 draft. Despite being drafted so late, he was eventually able to secure the status of Captain of the Boston Bruins. O’Reilly was tough. He was given several nicknames including “Bloody O’Reilly” and “Taz” which referred to the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes cartoons. In 2002, O’ Reilly’s jersey number of No. 24 was retired from further use on the Boston Bruins. He is possibly the most memorable Bruins player of all time.
Did George Parros accumulate 2,092 penalty minutes during his career?
This now retired NHL player was a huge force behind the Anaheim Ducks. In 2007 he played alongside players such as Teemu Selanne, Corey Perry, Chris Kunitz, and Chris Pronger. Few fans were surprised that they were able to secure a Stanley Cup Finals victory. After creating a petition to send to the NHL, Perros had his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. George Parros was a behemoth on the ice. He was 6ft 5 in and 232 lbs. Is it true or false that George Parros accumulated 2,092 penalty minutes during his career?
Did ROB “RAYZOR” RAY accumulate 2,942 penalty minutes during his career?
Rob Ray would have appeared to be cruising for a bruising when quickly shedding his shoulder pads during every fight. Removing his shoulder pads was revealed to be a smart tactic that Rob Ray had utilized. From removing these pads, it made others unable to grab Ray and allowed him to send a flurry of punches. Sports analysts recognized Rob Ray’s peculiar style and named it the “Rob Ray Rule” Is it true or false that Rob “Rayzor” Ray accumulated 2,942 penalty minutes during his career in the NHL?
Did Marty McSorley accumulate 3,381 penalty minutes during his career?
This player was an admirable enforcer who had an unfortunate ending to his career. Marty McSorley played alongside Wayne Gretzky while he was on the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. Marty McSorley claims that he accidentally slashed Donald Brashear in the head from behind during a 2000 game was an accident, but most analysts and viewers would not agree. Many consider Marty McSorley one of the most reckless players in hockey. Is it true or false that Marty McSorley accumulated 3,381 penalty minutes during his career?
Did John Ferguson accumulate 1,842 penalty minutes during his career?
In John Ferguson’s early life he had a keen interest in horses, hockey, and lacrosse. Since his father had died when he was of a young age his mother raised him. Later Ferguson became a stick boy for the Vancouver Canucks. While watching hockey he would see talented Canucks players frequently being hit on the ice. This inspired Ferguson to become an enforcer and he did years later when he entered the NHL. For most of John Ferguson’s career he played for the Montréal Canadiens.
Did Stan Jonathan accumulate 1,420 penalty minutes during his career?
Don Cherry has said that the most impressive discovery of his career was finding Stan Jonathan. Most other scouts in the league had overlooked him as a talent. Stan was a perfect fit for the Boston Bruins who had and still have a reputation of being a physical team. One of Stan Jonathan’s best fights was went he went head to head with Pierre Bouchard. Bouchard was thirty pounds heavier and four inches taller. Still Stan Jonathan managed to break Bouchard’s nose and win the fight.
Did Clark Gilles accumulate 1,023 penalty minutes during his career?
Due to Clark Gilles tremendous ability as an enforcer, he was able to win 4 Stanley Cup Championships while on the New York Islanders. These 4 consecutive wins are the only Stanley Cup wins the New York Islanders have ever won. He may have not been the dirtiest player, but he was very talented at the role of enforcer. Many enforcers get too focused on the violent aspect of the role and fail to bring significant benefits for their team. Clark Gilles is easily one of the best enforcers of all time.
Did Dale Hunter accumulate 3,565 penalty minutes during his career?
Hunter was able to notch off an astounding 3,565 penalty minutes during his career. Hunter carelessly blindside checked Pierre Turgeon of the N.Y. Islanders in Game 6 of the 1993 playoffs. At this point in time it was the most games suspension received by any NHL player. Dale later apologized and took full responsibility for the incident while admitting that he had gone too far. This incident shows that enforcers can be very effective protectors on the ice, but are prone to causing setbacks for teams.
Did Craig Berube accumulate 3,149 penalty minutes during his career?
This enforcer continued to be a part of ice hockey post-retirement as the head coach of the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. He no longer coaches the Chicago Wolves, but is now an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues. While a player in the NHL, he had a lengthy career spanning 17 seasons. While a player in the NHL he was an impressive enforcer. Is it true or false that Craig Berube had 3,149 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Dave Schultz accumulate 2,872 penalty minutes during his career?
As an enforcer, Dave Schultz is one of the most recognizable, due to accumulating the most penalty minutes in a single season. His record remains today as Dave Schultz has 472 penalty minutes recorded in 1 season. His career spanned from 1969-1980. As a 6 ft 1 in and 185 lb Left Winger he was part of 2 Stanley Cup Championship wins while on the Philadelphia Flyers. Is it true or false that Dave Schultz accumulated 2,872 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Chris Nilan accumulate 3,043 penalty minutes during his career?
In the 1980s Chris Nilan was possibly the greatest fighter of the decade. During his career he played for a few different teams, but was best known for his time with the Montréal Canadiens. Chris Nilan was born in Boston, Massachusetts and despite being small for a hockey player; he was not to be underestimated in fighting ability. Nilan weighed 205 lbs and was 6ft tall. Fans will forever remember that this player racked up 3,043 penalty minutes during his career.
Did Tiger Williams accumulate 3,966 penalty minutes during his career?
As an enforcer, Tiger Williams has accumulated the most career penalty minutes in NHL history. During Tiger William’s time in the NHL, he played on a number of different teams with the majority being on the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Los Angeles Kings. His rivalry with Terry O’Reilly was a spectacle to be seen. He would go after larger opponents since none could match his fighting ability. This hockey player may have been better suited for boxing. He is considered the best fighter to have played in the NHL.
Did Joey Kocur accumulate 2,519 penalty minutes during his career?
Joey Kocur makes up the other half of the “Bruise Brothers” which also included Bob Probert. While the Bruise Brothers were on the Red Wings, the team became one of the most physical teams in the NHL. Bob Probert and Joey Kocur were two of the most talented fighters. Joey Kocur fought in 2017 fights during his career. Players would be wary of Kocur’s calamitous right hand. Retired NHL players will testify to this. Is it true or false that Joey Kocur accumulated 2,519 penalty minutes during his career?
Did Shane Churla accumulate 2,412 penalty minutes during his career?
Shane Churla had an admirable career. He is sometimes remembered for having received the hardest elbow that people have seen. Pavel Bure sped in and delivered an elbow which Don Cherry has named “the mother of all elbows.” Since both Bure and Churla had been exchanging hits during the game, Bure eventually came in with speed and flattened Shane Churla with tremendous force. Churla is now a scout for the Montréal Canadiens. Is it true or false that Shane Churla had 2,412 penalty minutes during his career?