November 19, 2008; Anaheim, CA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Donald Brashear (87) engages in a fight against Anaheim Ducks right wing George Parros (16) during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
There have been many great enforcers over the years who have made the game both more fun and violent. Here is a list of the 15 best NHL enforcers. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments and let us know!
15. Chris Nilan
Was known as “Knuckles” and once had 42 penalty minutes in a game
14. Sean Avery
Nov 09, 2011; Ottawa, ON, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery (16) during the second period of play against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. The Rangers defeated the Senators 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Led the league in penalty minutes twice and never missed out on taking a cheap shot
13. Terry O’Reilly
Once went into the stands at Madison Square Garden to fight with fans
12. Dale Hunter
Unknown date 1996; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Capitals center Dale Hunter (32) on the ice against the Florida Panthers at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Second all-time in penalty minutes and was a great enforcer for the Capitals
Unknown Date, 1998; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Mighty Ducks of Anaheim left wing Stu Grimson (32) fighting Washington Capitals left wing Craig Berube (27) at the MCI Center. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
The nickname “The Grim Reaper” was not given by accident
9. Clark Gillies
Protected Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier and the rest of the Islanders during their dynasty run
8. Joe Kocur
Nov 13, 1992; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers’ Joe Kocur during a game against the Capitals on November 13, 1992. Mandatory Credit: Nell Seiler-USA TODAY NETWORK
One half of the Bruise Brothers in Detroit and had 217 career fights
7. Donald Brashear
December 7, 2008; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensmen (53) Casey Borer is checked into the boards by Washington Capitals left wing (87) Donald Brashear during the 1st period at the RBC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USPRESSWIRE
Was trained as a boxer by former World Champion Joe Frazier
6. Bob Probert
Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story is showing at the Freep Film Festival 2019.
Tough Guy The Bob Probert Story
The other half of the Bruise Brothers in Detroit and one of the leagues most feared fighters
5. Dave Semenko
Was the bodyguard for Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri during the Edmonton Oilers dynasty
4. Dave Williams
Has the most career penalty minutes in league history, but was surprisingly good on offense
3. Dave Schultz
One of the most intimidating players in league history as a member of the Broad Street Bullies
2. Tie Domi
Feb 28, 2006; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing (28) Tie Domi relaxes during pre-game before playing against the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Tom Szczerbowski
Played 16 years in the league and ranks third all-time in penalty minutes
1. Marty McSorley
Jun 5, 1993; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Kings Marty McSorley (33) in action against the Montreal Canadians in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals at the Great Western Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Struck fear into his opponents and once served 18 months’ probation for his violence on the ice
