Top 10 NHL Enforcers

In recent years, sports media and journalism has shifted to a debate format. Many programs offer their lists and rankings which often becomes the subject of intense debate. It is very entertaining to hear about who is in the top ten list of all time in any number of sports. 

As a lifelong fan/player of hockey, I have always been drawn to the physical aspect of the sport. Sure, I enjoy seeing a nice goal and watching a talented play-maker perform magic on the ice. But what I enjoy more are the tough guys who fight to protect their more talented and gifted teammates. The “enforcer, the “fighter”, the “goon”, the “heavyweight” are all terms used to describe this type of player who is the ultimate team player. They sacrifice their own bodies for the betterment of the team and can often provide a spark for their team. 

With that being said, here is my top ten list for the best NHL Tough Guys I have seen throughout the years. 

#10 – Derek Boogaard – The “Boogeyman” was an enforcer who spent much of his career with the Minnesota Wild. He was probably one of the most feared tough guys of all time due to his size. He was 6’7” 270 pounds and had several devastating knockouts during his career. Tragically, in 2011, at the age of 28, he died from an accidental overdose.

#9 – Stu Grimson – The “Grim Reaper” is often overlooked on many lists of the toughest guys because of his demeanor off the ice. After his playing days, he earned his law degree and has been very active with charitable works. Recently, he was honored with the Anaheim Ducks 20^th anniversary celebration because he was an original Duck. 

#8 – Dale Hunter – The longtime Capital and Nordique is 2^nd on the all-time penalty minutes list. He is notorious for his hit on Pat LaFontaine in the 1993 playoffs. LaFontaine stole the puck from Hunter and scored a goal and while celebrating Hunter gave a vicious check that injured LaFontaine. This resulted in the longest suspension in league history at the time. Love him or hate him, he was tough.

#7 – Georges Laraque – For a number of years in the early 2000’s “Big Georges” was the most feared enforcer with Edmonton in the NHL. His size and southpaw stance often created mismatches with his opponents. His body of work as a tough guy is difficult to match. Recently off the ice, he has been receiving a lot of press for his criticism of the NHL for its lack of oversight with fighting and concussions after careers have ended. 

#6 – Rob Ray – The longtime Buffalo Sabre makes the list because he was one of the toughest from the heyday of fighting in the 80’s and 90’s. He is known for his mercilessly beating a fan that wandered onto the ice and got a little too close to the players bench. He is also known for the “Rob Ray” rule in which players cannot take off their jersey and pads so that their opponents cannot clench onto them. 

#5 – Link Gaetz – The ‘Missing Link” was out of the NHL by the age of the 23. But he left a lasting impression on those who follow enforcers in hockey. His brash and reckless style brought many fans to the newly formed San Jose Sharks and unfortunately his personal demons left him out of the NHL but he was highly entertaining to watch. 

#4 – Dave Brown – The enforcer all the way from Saskatoon was a mainstay on the Flyers teams of the 80’s and 90’s. He was one of the toughest fighters in the NHL during this time period. He was also known as one of the hardest working players on the team who was always trying to do more than just drop the gloves. 

#3 – Tie Domi – “The Albanian Aggressor” was known to have one of the hardest fists and chins in the NHL. The longtime Toronto Maple Leaf was a fixture in the penalty box and was known for his ability to agitate opponents. Interestingly, he has been able to forge a nice career on TV outside of his playing days. 

#2 – Tony Twist – This St. Louis Blue enforcer was a mixture of size and strength during his playing days. He was known as one of the most physically fit players during his career. This made him a formidable opponent on the ice and feared by many. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by a serious motorcycle accident but he has found a great career in radio since the end of his playing days. 

#1 – Bob Probert – One half of the “Bruise Brothers” was and is probably the most talked about enforcer in the history of the NHL. A mainstay in Detroit, he was the protector of greats such as Steve Yzerman and even made the All-Star team because of his ability to chip in offensively. He was a larger than life figure who often dealt with serious issues on and off the ice. Sadly, he passed away in 2010 at the age of 45 and his death brought about research into brain injury and trauma in the NHL and NFL. 

There are numerous articles and books written about those who drop the gloves in the NHL and they are always an interesting read. The job of an NHL enforcer is not an easy task and the unwritten code that dictates their duties is one of the most interesting things in sport. I hope my list at least comes close to highlighting these athletes and their careers.