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WORST FIGHTERS OF ALL-TIME |
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When an NHL players assumes the posture of a goon, even if he has skills and takes a regular shift, it's only natural to assume he's demonstrated at least some proficiency in that department at some level in his career. In other words, players don't learn to fight when they get to the NHL.
But whether it's from fighting bigger tougher men, being called to take on a more critical offensive or defensive role, or whatever the case may be, there have always been players who have dropped the gloves ... only to wish they'd have kept them on.
Below is my take on some of the all-time worst fighters in the NHL. And believe me, as a lifelong Flyers fan, I've seen some of the best and some of the worst.
The point here is not to diminish or disrespect the contributions these brave warriors made to the game in any way. I've always said that win or lose, there are no p*ssies in hockey or boxing, two sports that require you to put your chin on the line, night in, night out. But in light of the difficulty they had establishing themselves among hockey's toughest men, a tounge-in-cheek look at their failings is not out-of-bounds.
In no particular order:
Richard Zemlak. Was accumulating fighting majors at a dizzying pace when he broke in with the Minnesota North Stars ... but unfortunately for him he wracked up decisive losses at an even rate.
Basil McRae.This Norris Division mainstay was as game as they come, which was always puzzling to me because his fights would invariably end with him scrambling on the ice to avoid more punches.
Greg Smyth. Rick Tocchet nearly decapitated Smyth during one game, only to have Smyth rant and rave until Tocchet gave him some more. Even the home town Nordiques fans booed his antics (if not his corny Mohawk haircut). Only win came against, yep, you guessed it, Richard Zemlak.
Keith Magnuson. A forerunner to McRae, Magnuson would turn down no challenge, which must've driven his fellow Blackhawks nuts. But a really nice guy and somebody the game misses.
Todd Gill. Somewhere out there is a video of Don Nachbauer feeding Gill 15 unanswered right hands ... and Nachbauer wasn't the only one to have done it.
Dennis O'Brien. Probably did more to tarnish the Bruin's tough rep than Schultz, Gillies, and Nilan combined. Was said to sometimes jump guys, even though that tactic didn't help him much.
Mike Busniuk. Was so rambunctious and high-strung he seemed impervious to the heavy blows that typically rained down on him whenever fought.
Neil Sheehey. One of hockey's really good guys, was known to have taken boxing lessons to improve his fighting skills on the ice. Should've demanded a refund.
John Jakopin. Ditto.
Riley Cote.There's a difference between being tough and being a good fighter. Cote has an abundance of toughness, but is too reckless, and gets drubbed much too often than he should. Wide-open, offensive-minded fighters are fun to watch, but it's nice to, you know, win one now and then.
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