To Drop, or Not to Drop???

Ok for tonight's post, we take a look at the question that is on everyone's minds these days regarding hockey. Should they ban fighting or not?

If you're reading this, chances are you're a fight fan and want fighting to stay. But if you're not, then I'm gonna try to give you a few good reasons on why fighting is actually necessary for the sport.

So these are them. And remember these are only my opinions (and also those of a bunch of other people)


1. Protect your assets
Picture this. Your the owner of a brand new multimillion dollar, state of the art facility in a not-so-good neighbourhood. You decide in order to keep bad guys away from your new building, you should hire a security guard. Now this security guard, he is one mean looking SOB. He's big, and no one wants to mess with him or with the new building. This is what an enforcer can do for a hockey team. First and foremost, we need to think about the bigger picture; Hockey is a business as well as a sport. Billions of dollars are spent every year in professional hockey. If you are a team owner, and you want to make a profit, you need to fill your building every night with fans willing to spend their hard earned cash on a product that they enjoy. This means you need a competitive team that is capable of putting up wins, which hopefully will lead to winning a championship. In order to do this, you need certain players on the team that are more skilled than others and are able to help lead the team to that championship. These are the teams greatest assets and you need something to help protect those assets. Put it this way, I am not a fan of Sidney Crosby, yet I'll admit that he's a wicked player, one of the best in the league. But I'll also admit that if I were playing against him, I'd love to line him up with a huge, clean, open-ice hit and take him out of the game, giving my team a better chance to win. But I'll tell you what, if I looked down his bench and saw Eric Godard sitting there, (the same Eric Godard that TKO'd the 6"7 Derek Boogaard,) I'd most likely think twice about doing that. Think of it like this, have you ever gone to the bar with a bunch of your best friends and had some drunk asshole try to start something with your smallest buddy, and you all jump in to defend him? Or perhaps you had a couple guys that were with you that were known as being tough as nails, and were big enough to make most people leave you guys alone in the first place? That's the same effect an enforcer has with opposing teams. This allows the smaller skilled players to go out and do their thing, which is score goals and win games, without having to constantly watch their backs all game. Now don't get me wrong, I think all players are fair game, just expect payback if you decide to go after one.

2. Keep players honest
Intimidation plays a big part in sports. It all goes back to the mentality we had growing up; you may be better at something than me but I'm bigger and tougher so I can beat you up! If a team of small skilled players comes into play a team who is bigger and meaner, the bigger team will surely try to use that to their advantage. By intimidating the smaller team, they can get them off their game, which gives the bigger team a better chance to win. Whether it be playing within or outside of the rules, there are many ways one team can intimidate another. Playing physical with big hits or roughing and using illegal stick work like spearing and slashing are all common methods in today's game. The way an enforcer can stop this is by simply saying "you go after one of our smaller skilled players, you can expect me to come after you and your teammates even harder." Most times, players wont cross the line with more skilled players because it simply isn't worth it in the end. Why use a dirty hit on a Sedin twin for example, when you know your gonna have Darcy Hordichuk, Shane O'Brien, Willie Mitchell, Kevin Bieksa and Rob Davison coming after you and your skilled players for the rest of the game trying to exact revenge? Like I said, maybe its just not worth it. This also helps teams play a little bit better and braver, knowing they have someone looking over them for the game. I'm not trying to say you can't hit the other teams top players, cause I personally think everyone is fair game, just use discretion when you go to lay a big hit or slash someone. A perfect example of this is when Wayne Gretzky used to play. The reason no one ever messed with him?? Five words...Dave Semenko and Marty McSorley.

3. Helps attract fans
"I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out!" I love this phrase. This is true for the old 70's style of hockey where there were literally bench clearing brawls every week. It's not like that anymore, which is a shame for me and fight fans haha. Nowadays, fighting is up (thank god), but its not to the point where it takes away from the game. I don't go to a game specifically for the fights, because I am a hockey fan in general. I love all aspects of the game, whether its a nice goal, a great save, a big hit, or an awesome fight. I've always said the best type of game to watch is one where your home team wins 6-5, there are big hits and a couple fights. This is what makes hockey so different from other sports. Its the only one where fighting is allowed, and has been since day one. I'm sick of so many non-hockey fans calling for a stop to it, because they don't understand the game. The best question to ask yourself, and its been said a million times, is "do you ever see people leave the stands during a fight?" NO, they stand and cheer and go nuts!!!

4. Keeps the integrity of the game
Like I said before, hockey is the one major sport that allows fighting. Well, technically it doesn't "allow" it, as they do hand out a five minute major for it. That's what makes hockey unique. Fighting has been here since day one, and believe it or not, all the best players have fought at one time. Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe etc have all dropped the mitts at one time or another. Why? Because its a part of the game! There have been so many rule changes in the past 10 years and its starting to feel like its almost a joke the way the league is being run. Why can't we just keep it the same as its always been? There never was an issue with it 50 years ago, so I say we just leave it alone and go back to the basics that made this the best sport in the world. One thing I like to look at, is the fact that Wayne Gretzky, arguably the best player to ever play hockey, dressed Brian Mcgrattan, Brandon Prust AND Todd Fedoruk (All tough guys) on the same line recently for Phoenix. Not bad for a guy who was considered one of the softest players to ever play the game. Apparently he understands what it means to have tough guys on a team ;)

Ok, so I do know that there are a bunch of good rebuttles that can be used to argue why fighting in hockey SHOULD be taken out, but I don't agree with them, and this is my blog, so too bad!

I'm going to leave you with a few videos to take a look at. I don't care if you don't like him, Don Cherry is one of my idols, and he knows his stuff, regardless whether you like his opinions or not. Just listen to what he has to say

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccc

Everyone of us has a moment in our lives where something of importance happens, and we will always remember exactly where we were when we heard the news.

The day was May 29th, and I was on a ferry with my girlfriend heading to Vancouver to see the Killswitch Engage concert. It was a gorgeous day out, and I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks.

And then I got a text message from my buddy Shaun that ruined my entire day.

Luc Bourdon had passed away after a tragic crash on his motorcycle.

He was 21.

I remember sitting there on the ferry in disbelief, as if it wasn't true. To some people, they would say "big deal, its not like you knew him", but this was different.

I remember the day he got drafted, I was watching anxiously at my mom's house. When Dave Nonis stepped to the podium and called his name at 10th overall, I'll admit, I didn't know much about him. But all it took for me to become a believer was a 30 second speech by Pierre Mcguire on TSN telling Canucks fans what type of player Luc was, and that we should all be very, very excited.

Right away I was extatic, as he was exactly the type of player that I idolize. A skilled, big, mean defenceman that loves to throw bone crushing open-ice hits.

I remember following him and his epic head to head battles with Gilbert Brule on his road to the Memorial Cup, eventually losing in the finals to the Quebec Ramparts.

Bourdon also played a big role in helping Team Canada win back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championships in 2006 and 2007. He was even named to the tournament all-star team on defence in 2006. It was here where one of his most famous images was captured on TV, his classic "wink" to the camera while having his gold medal proudly displayed around his neck.

One of my alltime favourite Bourdon moments was during the 2006 World Jr's, when TSN's Pierre Mcguire explained to the fans at home that the Vancouver fans were not yelling "booooooooooo", but "luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuc". To this day me and a couple buddies still use that line. (I am almost offended when Canucks fans cheer Louuuuuuu for Roberto Luongo, as this chant should be Luc's)

Luc then went on to play for the Manitoba Moose, and finally the Canucks. It should have been this year that he finally secured his full time spot with the club, but it just wasn't meant to be.

As I said before, Luc wasn't just a regular Canucks player to me. The cool thing was that I had him on Facebook, and I actually talked to him quite a bit about hockey, and he was always willing to talk. He wasn't a cocky hockey player or anything, but just a regular guy. I remember everytime I talked to him, he always used a lot of exclamation marks haha.

So when I heard of his crash, it kind of hit me a little bit different, as he was my favourite player, and someone I had actually talked to a bit. Now i'm not trying to say him and I were good buddies, because I had never actually met him, but he was nice enough to at least take the time to talk hockey with me, and I really appreciated that.

When I found out the Canucks were going to honor him during their first game, I thought it was awesome. And then about three nights before the game, a good buddy of mine called me and asked if I wanted to come to the game with him, as he had noone to go with. I swear the stars were aligned that night because this is the one game in my entire life that I would have done anything to see live.

The ceremony before the game was amazing, as Tom Cochrane performed "Big league", which was always a favourite of mine growing up. The presentation was very well done, and I can honestly say I was fighting back the tears. Coupled with the fact that Alex Burrows, Bourdon's best friend on the team, went on to score 2 goals, and the Canucks beat the Flames 6-0 to start the season, it was a pretty special night. The night couldn't have been any better in my opinion, as the dominant performance over their arch-rivals was a fitting tribute to their fallen teammate. Also, to make things even better, we all recieved LB pins, which I put on the jersey of my Build-a-bear who sits on my bead at home, which I have named Luc "Bear"don in his honor.

So in closing, I just wanted to say that Luc was a great player and teammate, as well as someone who enjoyed giving back to his community, and he will be greatly missed.

Luc, you will always be remembered as a Vancouver Canuck.

Now, for some of Bourdon's highlights:



Great play by the kid


Good Canadian boy


Sick moves


Canucks Tribute


Moose Tribute


Don Cherry Tribute

RIP
Luc Bourdon 1987-2008

Classic Tough Guys : Gino Odjick

GINO! GINO! GINO!

So tonight as I lay here in bed, just having finished a bunch of homework, I think to myself, "Who could I do a spotlight on?" Hmmmm, someone I like obviously, but someone that is different and not your ordinary current tough guy. Hmmm, how about someone that is retired?? Oh wait, got it!! One of my all-time favourite tough guys...Gino Odjick. Known as probably the most famous tough guy in Vancouver Canuck history, Gino was as popular during the old skate jersey days as Pavel Bure or Trevor Linden. (Well maybe not quite as Linden, but close ;)

Drafted in 1990 by the Canucks 86th overall in the fifth round, his NHL debut came against the Chicago Blackhawks November 21. 1990, and wearing #66, he went out and showed everyone that he meant business. After fighting three Hawks, among them the feared Dave Manson and Stu Grimson, he was named the game's first-star and went on to become a fan favourite in his first year, accumulating 296 pims in only 45 games! The next two seasons had an increase to 348 and 370 pims respectively. During the cinderalla Canucks year of 1993-1994, Odjick had his most productive year offensively with 16 goals and 13 assists, along with 271 pims, sometimes riding shotgun on a line with his best friend Pavel Bure.

Anyone that is somewhat a Canucks fan or even a fight fan can remember many a scrap pitting Odjick against the toughest in the league, leaving the crowd chanting the familiar "Gino! Gino! Gino!

I can remember the day in the 1997-98 season when Gino was traded to the New York Islanders for a young Jason Strudwick (who would later be one of my favourite players for about five seasons). Fans were left angered at the departure of their tough guy, but the hockey gods must have been watching over Vancouver as the first game after the trade was sure enough, in Vancouver vs. the Islanders. I guess it was one last night with our buddy Gino. And sure enough, he didn't disappoint, dropping the gloves AGAINST the Canucks with you guessed it, the man he was traded for, Jason Strudwick. I can still remember the fans actually cheering on Odjick one last time, instead of their new Canucks defenceman. Although he didn't do as well as hoped, this fight actually helped Strudwick prove to his new team and fans that he would do whatever it took to win.

After stops in New York, Philadelphia and then Montreal, Gino retired from hockey as one of the most popular and feared enforcers of his time. Now residing in Vancouver, Gino has moved on to a life after hockey, helping aboriginal children at the Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy.

It is with this, that we take a look back at some of Gino Odjick's most classic Canucks moments...


Odjick scores a beauty


Odjick throwin them fast and furious with Matt Barnaby


Odjick going nuts!!!

Odjick suckers Lindros


Another huge sucker by Gino on Todd Harvey


Toe to toe with PJ Stock (as a flyer)


Gino on OTR on TSN

Don Sanderson

When fighting in hockey, there is always the risk of getting injured, or sometimes worse. While I am a big fan of fighting in hockey and think it has its place, that doesn't mean I'm an insensitive bastard. So I'd just like to take a minute to send condolences to Don Sanderson's friends and family. As most of you have probably heard, Don passed away recently after suffering a serious injury during a hockey fight. Don fell and hit his helmetless head on the ice, and then was in a Coma until he passed away. This was a terrible tragedy and I feel terrible for his family.

RIP Don Sanderson

1987-2009

Josh Bonar Interview

Ok everyone, this is my first interview. Its only a practice with one of my best friends...enjoy!

Josh Bonar

Position: RW

Birth date: Jan 22, 1984

From: Port Alberni, BC; Canada
Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 200lbs
Noteworthy teams: Kamloops Blazers, Vancouver Giants

Ok, so first and foremost I want to thank Josh for letting me interview him. He’s one of my best friends and it was nice to get a practice interview out of the way. While not an enforcer, he’s had his fair share of tilts, and he’s played alongside a few of the top heavyweights in the NHL today, as well as numerous other tough guys.


DTM - Ok so my first question, tell everyone what it was like having to play against Derek Boogaard back in your WHL days?
JB - I don’t know, he was obviously their tough guy... myself personally, I didn’t really think too much of it because I’m a lot smaller, so I’m not going to have to fight him unless I do something stupid. He would be fighting our heavyweight which was pretty fun to watch though... but now it’s pretty cool to see him in the NHL being one of the top heavyweights after playing against him in junior.

What was it like having Colton Orr on your team back with the Kamloops Blazers riding shotgun for you?
It was awesome. He was a great team guy and would stick up for anyone at any given time on the ice. He was also a good player that would chip in scoring too. It's great to see him doing so well after playing with him. He deserves it. He’s one of my favourite guys in the NHL now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuZf0ppNqeg

Have there ever been any tough guys you’ve played against that actually intimidated you?
Well Boogaard was probably the most intimidating. I mean the guy is HUGE. I was pretty young at the time but like I said it wasn’t up to me to fight him so there wasn’t to much intimidation in my mind. I just went out there and did my thing and we had our own guy to deal with him if the situation arose.

What player do you model yourself after and why?
I was asked this question in the Vancouver Province when I was in Vancouver playing with the Giants haha. I’d have to say that Pavel Bure was my favourite of all time but lets be honest he’s a totally different player than what I could ever do out there so I tried to model myself after Eric Lindros, because at the time he was in his prime, crashing, banging ,putting up a lot of points. That’s the style of hockey that appeals to me when I’m watching and I tried to do the same when I was playing. He was my favourite player.

What did you mom think when you’d drop the mitts?
She hates it she deals with it though.

What made you decide to drop the gloves for the first time ever and what happened in the fight? It was against the Prince George Cougars, I was 16 and playing for the Kamloops Blazers, well we had just scored actually and as we went to celebrate, I all of a sudden found myself being grabbed by the head so I just dropped the gloves and started throwing. About 3 seconds later I found myself getting pounded in the nose about 3 or 4 times in a row. So now, my nose was gushing blood, and I mean LEAKING. I didn’t stop throwing though because of the adrenaline, and finally we fell to the ice and I remember seeing blood all over my visor haha. I then head to the penalty box only to be stopped a few seconds later and told to go hit the locker room to go get 5 stitches in my nose. I also had to switch jerseys because mine was a mess. After all that I headed back out to the “boner” cheers which were pretty funny.

Ok, on the flipside now, what fight was the biggest asskicking you’ve handed out in your career?
Ok first, we need to go over a bit what happened before this, because its kind of confusing. So I played for the Kamloops Blazers, and we are playing against the Vancouver Giants. Two of my buddies who had played the year before in Kamloops with me, Jack Redlick and Pat Brandreth, ended up getting picked up off of waivers by the Giants, and are now playing against us. I know them pretty well and am still friends with them. Anyways, my teammate and buddy of mine, Ryan Annesley, lines up for the draw against Jeremy Jackson of the Giants. He ends up getting pulled and I was sent in to take it. Jackson ends up slashing me pretty hard instead of even trying for the puck, so I whack him back. We give it to each other for a few seconds, meanwhile Redlick and Brandreth are both on the ice with him, and these are two guys with a lot of fights under there belt. They both look at each other surprised, with the looks of “who’s going to do something about this?” They obviously don’t really want to since we are all buddies. So Pat comes up to me and gives me shot, I turn around and give him a shot back and we drop the mitts, square off and away we go. This was one of my better fights I had and I’ll always remember it mostly because Pat had been in so many fights the year before so everyone thought I was done. In the end though, he separated his shoulder and I broke his nose during the fight. What was funny is that after all of this, I ended up getting traded to Vancouver, and ironically enough I ended up living with him at his billets house. It was all good though, and we still talk once in a while. We have a mutual friend to this day that always beaks him about it too which is awesome.

What kind of music do you listen to outside of hockey? Who gets to control the music in the dressing room before the game? Any particular bands that fire you guys up? And have you been to any good concerts lately?
Well the music I have listened to before games has really changed over the years. As of late I’m listening to a bit of everything. Some dance or techno before games gets me fired up or of course some hard rock. In the dressing room usually the older guys control the music but it varies from team to team. The last song that has got me fired up is “Undead” by Hollywood Undead . Linkin park is always a good choice before games to get the guys fired up too.


Ever had anyone play any lame music?
What I don’t get is those guys that put on country before games. We had that for a bit last year and it was honestly like a morgue in there at times. Eventually the younger guys took over by the end of the year haha.

Do you usually only fight for a reason or sometimes just for the hell of it?
Spur of the moment I would have to say. All my fights last year were spur of the moment I believe or when I was sticking up for a teammate. I’m not one to usually just tilt for the hell of it, but it has happened a few times.

If you were commissioner for a day, what are two changes you’d make?
I honestly love the game the way it is right now with the changes they have made over the past few years. I don’t think I would change anything. I always debate about the instigator rule because it has its pros and cons... right now with the respect of the players in the game I think it is a good rule and has served a great purpose because you don’t see too many cheap shots in the game today. There really is no need for anyone to instigate things all that much.

Who in the NHL do you think is the biggest spot picker?
Ummm... man that’s tough. Matt Cooke. He starts so much shit and rarely ever backs it up unless its against someone his size.


Who would you love to fight more than anyone in the NHL?
Haha, there are a few. Chris Pronger, Jason Spezza, Corey Perry, Matt Cooke, Danny Heatley are guys I’d love to scrap. Not saying I could beat them but I’d love to give it a try!

What is your favourite movie/actor?
Dumb and dumber for sure, and my favourite actor is Will Ferrell. I love the old Jim Carrey too but he’s not as funny anymore.

What is your favourite TV show?
Seinfeld, Entourage and Hockey Night in Canada when I’m in Canada of course.

What’s one thing around the house that you just can’t live without?
Definitely the Internet.

What is your favourite vacation spot? Do you have any planned coming up?
Las Vegas and no, I don’t have any planned this summer yet. I really want to get to Mexico one of these days though.

Which is your favourite city to party in?
I’d still say Vegas. I mean how can u go wrong? It has everything I want; girls, sports, gambling and hot weather. I love Victoria too. Vancouver, St Catherine’s and Calgary as well. Arizona is pretty sick too. I’ve been lucky because I’ve gotten to see quite a few different places thanks to hockey.

Have you ever had a finesse players specifically ask you to take care of business out on the ice because someone was pissing them off?
No not really. You should know when something like that needs to be taken care of the tough guys are there to handle those situations.

Who was your favourite tough guy/team growing up?
Vancouver Canucks, and since he was a Canuck, Donald Brashear. I’m not a fan of him since the whole Marty Mcsorley court case thing though. Now I would have to say Colton Orr.

What is the most memorable fight you remember seeing growing up?
The first Jovanovski /Deadmarsh fight when they were in Vancouver during the height of their rivalry. Jovo KO’d Deadmarsh and it was unreal. Deadmarsh was lucky in the rematch that none of Jovanovski’s connected or it would have been lights out all over again.
(Round 1)
(Round 2)

Ever had any former teammate that you despised that you wanted to fight or did end up fighting?
Not really, I usually get along with everyone pretty well.

Who would you take to be your sidekick, Brashear, Laraque or Boogaard?
I’d pick Brashear if I had to, but I’d rather have a guy like Colton Orr.

Who would you like to smash more in the NHL; Ruutu, Cooke, Kaleta, Ott, Avery or Burrows?
Definitely Matt Cooke or Steve Ott.

Have you ever had a non fighter challenge you where you knew you’d kick their ass, but they still wanted to fight you?
Unfortunately not haha.

Ever had an opponent say something to you that crossed the line and made you madder than you’ve ever been before?
Fortunately no, nothing too personal anyways. One thing that did make me laugh was this year when I played my first game against Wichita in the CHL, during the whole anthem there were non stop “boner” jokes from the fans and some were pretty good.

Do you have any tattoos?
No

This is for my buddy, Are you a big UFC fan? If you could trade places with one UFC fighter, who would it be and why?
Ya I watch the UFC from time to time. I love Quentin “Rampage” Jackson and Georges “Rush” St Pierre. Rampage is cool because he’s a scary, crazy looking dood and I love his entrance. St Pierre because, well, he’s Canadian and he’s the best in the world. Look at the guy, he’s chiselled to the max so must get a lot of ass!

And lastly, tell us a funny/cool story involving a fight/brawl in your career.
K there was a mix up on the ice in a game when I played for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Ryan Storey, a teammate of mine on Alberni Valley who was a skinny guy who could throw them, and Chris Frank who’s a heavyweight now in the AHL, were yapping and yapping at each other. Eventually they come to the bench both in each other’s faces and take a seat, but they’re still at each other beaking, with only the glass separating them. So Frank leans over and tells Storey to hit him. He keeps saying "hit me" with his head sticking out over the ice, so Storey goes "ok" under his breath and kind of takes his glove off and absolutely smokes him. We're talking instant blood and all hell breaks loose. The refs kick those 2 guys out, meanwhile sticks are swinging from bench to bench and I’m right there by the bench and both teams are going at it until the coach grabs me and throws me back over the bench and onto the ground. Meanwhile these two meat heads are in the tunnel screaming at each other and getting closer and closer. My teammate Tyler Ruel is on the ice ready to take the face off and he looks over at the bench and no one, and I mean not one person is on the bench from either team because everyone is in the hallway. Then the ref’s and security finally get in there and things were settled. It was honestly one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen in hockey.

K once again, I just want to say thanks to Josh for taking the time to get this thing started. Greatly appreciated budddddz!!!

-Chris

When you have a chance to fight Crosby, you take it...

Check this out guys, this is apparently what happened this last weekend that not many people know about...


"Bruins center Marc Savard taunted Crosby after a Boston goal, and the taunting continued until both players neared their benches. Crosby challenged Savard to fight, and Savard responded: "Take off that [sissy] shield, and I'll be glad to."
So Crosby handed his helmet to equipment manager Dana Heinze and told him to remove the visor. Crosby took the ice for his next shift sans shield but Savard backed down, thereby looking like the [sissy] he accused Crosby of being.
Score one for Sid in the mind games department and cue a verbal beatdown for Savard, who took a brutal aural blistering from the Penguins bench throughout the rest of the afternoon (and no doubt lost a little respect in the eyes of his teammates when his bluff got called)."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bruins-player-wimps-out-after-Crosby-removes-vis;_ylt=Al6RBgD0bH9.ibtcTwyX_os5nYcB?urn=nhl,149143

On a side note, congratulations to Taylor Ellington on signing with the Canucks. Good job buddy, now drop the mitts a bit more so we can talk about you on here!

My top 10 list

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Ok, so after sucking it up bigtime for a month, the Canucks are the hottest team in the NHL, but they're not fighting as much, so thats weak.

On a side note, Brian McGrattan is back up in the NHL tonight and should play for Phoenix, so thats good for fight fans. I also am almost done his interview so I can send that off to him and hopefully get it back pretty quickly.

I sent interviews to Josh Gratton (NHL/AHL), Trevor Gillies (AHL) and Kip Brennan (AHL), so we'll see if they get those back to me soon, then we can get this up and rolling.

I still have to find someone who wants to build my website for me, so I have to get on that as well.

So now I'm going to make my top 10 list for tough guys. I'll probably have to make a couple lists because it gets pretty confusing trying to rank guys depending on size and all that, so here goes...

Drum Roll please....


My top 10 HEAVYWEIGHTS. (this is strictly based on the top ten guys in terms of pure toughness/size. I dont care if a 5 foot 10 guy is super tough, if he would go against a top heavyweight and get his ass kicked, he doesnt rank in this top 10)


1. Georges Laraque (Montreal Canadiens) - I reluctantly put him at the top because he doesnt fight nearly enough and he's not mean at all. The only thing is that no one has really beaten him lately. Even when Brashear dropped him last year, it was after Laraque had put Brashear on his ass about three times. I'd prefer the number one guy to fight more, but until someone comes along and beats Laraque cleanly, and he starts to lose more often, he'll be right near the top.



2. Donald Brashear (Washington Capitals) - My non-Canucks favourite. He would have been number one in my books unti he was dropped by Belak recently. He's still more of a 1a instead of a 2. What makes him awesome is he dummies people AND he's mean. He knows how to do his job and is exactly what you look for in an "enforcer". He's also one of the few that actually can play a regular shift without being a liability.





3. Derek Boogaard (Minnesota Wild) - I remember the first time he got called up with Minny years back, and he was playing against the Canucks, and for the first time I was genuinely worried for our tough guy, Wade Brookbank....Sure enough, Boogaard and Brookbank have a go and Brookbank gets worked. And then so did a shitload of other guys in the league. I'm not a big fan of Boogaard but thats mostly because he plays for division rivals of the Canucks. He hasn't been very effective this year, and he has been beaten by Laraque and Brashear, so until he dummies one of them he'll be number three.



4. Colton Orr (New York Rangers) - I remember him from when he used to play alongside my buddy back on the Kamploops Blazers, and had always heard of him, from when he was drafted by Boston, to playing in the AHL, to finally making the NHL with Boston, and eventually with the Rangers where he is one of the top young enforcers today. He has taken on all the big boys and is known as one of the hardest punchers in the league, as evidenced by his wicked KO of Todd Fedoruk a few years back. He still gets consistently beat by Laraque and Brashear (until recently) and he was finally solved (and dropped) by Eric Godard recently. Still, its only up for this guy in the future.



5. Eric Godard (Pittsburgh Penguins) - I was debating between him and Orr on who was fourth and fifth, and it pretty much came down to the fact that Orr has usually had his way with Godard, until recently. If these two were to go head to head 10 times, i could honestly see it going 5/5 each. Godard is known as one of the hardest punchers in the league, and he is a giant KILLER. His TKO on Boogaard was amazing and proved that the Boogeyman can be beat. This season, when Steve Macintyre from edmonton was supposed to be the next big giant, Godard promptly broke his orbital bone in only Macintyre's fourth fight. Macintyre has fallen off the map since...



6. Wade Belak (Nashville Predators) - I've never liked Belak, probably because he was on Toronto (who I despise) for so long, but I have to give him credit, he's one of the toughest and best fighters in the league. He clearly learned alot from Domi, as he uses the "spin cycle" technique quite often. He's also covered in Tattoo's and he's pretty funny, so thats making me like him more haha. This year he dropped Brashear straight on his ass, as well as Janssen, so that gives him instant props.



7. Darcy Hordichuk (Vancouver Canucks) - I would love to rank him higher, but he's just too small to beat Laraque, Brashear or Boogaard. Still, nobody throws them as fast and wildly as Hordy, so he's always fun to watch, and he NEVER shys away from anyone, no matter how big they are. If only he was bigger he'd easily be the funnest in the NHL to watch. Another thing I wish is that he was meaner. He's too nice, but the look in his eyes when fighting is fun to watch.



8. Jody Shelly (San Jose Sharks) - How can you not love the guy with two girl names haha. Ever since he came in with Columbus years back he's been a favourite. He's down to drop the mitts wherever, whenever, and against whoever. He's a classic tough guy who knows exactly what his role is. He doesn't really pummel many people but he always puts in a good effort. He could be ranked higher if he were to start beating top heavyweights consistently.


9. George Parros (Anaheim Ducks) - The 'stache. Another example of a big guy whose down to go with whoever, but he isn't just a "goon", he's actually a decent player...and not to mention a Princeton grad. He is easily one of the most recognizable tough guys in the NHL with his pornstar moustache. He's had 8 epic battles with Shelly in the last four years but I gave Shelly the higher ranking just because he's been around longer.


10. Riley Cote (Philadelphia Flyers) - While not the biggest, no one throws them and takes them quite like Cote. This guy is the epitome of rock em sock em robots. He pretty much hangs on and throws with ill intent, and he takes his fair share as well. While he's not a threat to knock any of the top three out of their spots on this list, he can definatly handle himself and is more than willing to drop the mitts against all the big boys. Another plus is that he's also one of the nicest guys in person as well.




Honorable Mentions:

Brian McGrattan (Phoenix Coyotes) - He would definatly be top 5 if not for some off ice troubles this year, but I can proudly say he got back in the lineup just tonight and had a wicked tilt with Jody Shelly. Look for him to skyrocket back up the rankings quickly and into next season folks.


David Koci (Tampa Bay Lightning) - Easily has the size and toughness to be in the top ten, but he hasn't been giving the ice time this year and has been bounced around between teams the last season. If he gets a coach who plays him consistently he has what it takes.


Andrew Peters (Buffalo Sabres) - Can be top 10 if only he didnt have such a short leash from his coach. It would be nicer to see him dressed more cause he's pretty tough and big. Has fought all the leagues top guys as well.



Pound for Pound
(While not the biggest guys, these guys are pound for pound some of the best scrappers in the league. If they were 6 "5 and 250, they'd wreck people on a daily basis)

Jordin Tootoo (Nashville Predators) - As much as I hate him and his cheap play, when he drops the gloves, he can fight and punch as hard as anyone in the league...ask Matt Bradley


Aaron Asham (Philadelphia Flyers) - Cote's sidekick, Asham has consistently put in some of the best middleweight performances in the last five years. Easily one of the leagues best middleweights, and he can play too.


Cam Janssen (St Louis Blues) - He doesn't shy away from any of the super heavyweights, and he rarely loses. I haven't seen anyone like him in recent memory where its almost as if he enjoys his scraps too much, as he constantly tells the ref's to back off so he can keep the scrap going.


Josh Gratton (Philadelphia Flyers) - Although he's in the minors right now, Gratton has spent enough time in the NHL to be known as one of the funnest guys to watch. He's definatly not the biggest guy but he is one of the most entertaining toe to toe scrappers in the league and he isn't afraid of anyone. Just check out his fight with Laraque.


Jared Boll (Columbus Blue Jackets) - Boll is easily the most active fighter the last couple seasons. Any time he's on the ice there's a chances we'll see a tilt. While not really a heavyweight, he's been known to fight the likes of Parros, Hordichuk and Shelly. We're not finished the season yet and he already has 47 fights the last two years and is currently first in the league with 22.

K well there you have it, im sure i missed some guys, and the rankings can change every night, but you get the jist of the whose who of tough guys in the NHL

Chris

Live TIIIIIIIILTTTTTTTTTTSSSSS

Ok for todays post, we're gonna take a look at all the live fights i've seen happen over the years. Suprisingly, it hasn't been all that many :(
When I go to a Canucks game, the first thing I do is check to see what guys on the other team are playing, to see who can match up with who in case gloves drop. Once I'm at the game i usually proceed to announce to anyone in my section who is listening, exactly who is gonna fight that night, and then nothing usually happens hahah. Ironically enough, I had a ticket to the infamous Bertuzzi/Moore incident game, but I couldn't afford the trip, so I gave my ticket to a buddy....we all know how that game turned out.

Its kinda cool, I can clearly remember every single fight i've seen live, dating back to when I was 19. Apparently i'm obsessed with fights or something....

So, my first fight I ever saw live

Matt Cooke (Canucks) VS. Jamie Langenbrunner (Dallas) - Feb 28/2002
-I remember being pretty suprised at this one cause it was Cooke who instigated it, and he's usually such a little pussy

Todd Bertuzzi (Canucks) VS. Phillipe Boucher (Dallas) - Oct 26/2002
-This one caught me by suprise because it happened so fast, but Bert one-punched boucher, and dropped him. Even in our shitty seats we could see the blood all over the ice!!! Bert broke Boucher's orbital bone which was siiiick

Darren Langdon (Canucks) VS. Sandy McCarthy (New York) - Nov 16/2002
-Ooooooooooooh my first(and only) heavyweight matchup!!! This was unreal, the hated rangers were losing to us and the place was rocking, we had just gone up a goal and off the center ice faceoff the two heavy's dropped the mitts and had a looooong square off! The fight wasn't all that good but it pumped up the place BIG TIME

Steve Bernier (Canucks) VS. Dion Phaneuf (Calgary) Oct 9/2008
-You would think that I'd have seen more flames tilts since i've seen them quite a few times and they are our most hated rivals, but this was the first one. Started with a pretty big hit on a Sedin and then Bernier came right in to defend him. The fight wasn't that good but the place was going insane cause it was opening night and we were up 6-0. Bernier was a crowd pleaser that night for sure.

Kevin Bieksa (Canucks) VS. Mike Richards (Philadelphia) Dec 30/2008
-This happened only 15 seconds in after a huge hit by bieksa on gagne. I had just finished making my predictions to the guys in my section, so I was suppper pumped we had a tilt right away. This was actually a pretty decent fight as bieksa kicked some ass yeeeee


Unfortunatly those are all the ones i've seen live, besides some ECHL and BCHL tilts.
Honorable mention goes to Josh Bonar who tried his best to drop the mitts for the Vancouver Giants when we watched him play the Medicine Hat Tigers, but lets be honest, who trys to fight with only one glove off??? (inside joke)

Anyways, thats my fight history, im out



Chris

Poor, poor Brashear

Poor, poor Brashear...
Ok so before we get into last nights Caps/Preds games, I just need to go over a few things about me:
I am a diehard Canucks fan, I have been since I was young. Therefor, my favourite tough guys are always playing on the 'Nucks. I've always had a love for tough guys and plugs before the star players, even tho I have love for anyone on the Canucks. I was pumped this last summer when they picked up Hordichuk, Davison and then O'Brien. It was unreal to start the first half of the season wuth the Canucks among the tops in the league in tilts, but they've started to tail off lately. Still in the top 5 though so thats not too shabby.

Of course I always have favourite tough guys regardless where they play, and mine is definatley Brashear. I even had his jersey when he was with the Canucks ;) So last night I gotta admit I was pretty pissed off to see Brash get dropped by Belak, someone he's always seemed to have his way with. Maybe this is karma for years back (can't remember the exact season) when Belak was on Toronto and Brash on Vancouver and after Brashear had just whooped Belak and then did the hand dust off routine after their tilt. I remember the entire Leafs team was pretty pissed off and there was lots of stuff about Brash in the media after.
The look on Brash's face when he laid on the ice with Belak standing over him was pretty saddening but we all know he's gonna come back and be fine. Everyone takes a beating sometime in their career. In my eyes he's still the heavyweight champ this year, along with Laraque and then Boogaard.

Haha it didn't help where right off the next faceoff Tootoo and Bradley had a little dance, and Bradley got busted wiiiiiiide open. I haven't seen that much blood since the night OJ went to Nicole's house....oh wait...too soon? Anyways, thats my little rant for today.

Chris

Booya

Ok, post numero deux...

So, today I bought a domain name for my new site, now I just gotta learn how to make a website, and I can get that started.

The new site will be...
www.droppingthemitts.com

Im pretty stoked that I was able to get a pretty decent name, so hopefully I can get it going soon and start to get some interviews done.

I talked to Josh Gratton from the Flyers yesterday and he's pretty sweet. I partied with him and Riley Cote at the Roxy in Vancouver back in December and they were super nice, and Josh is down for an interview, so that will be fun. I think Brian McGrattan is down too.

On a side note, Im heading to Vancouver on Friday to talk with the assistant marketing director for the Canucks just to get some info on what I need to do in order to work for the Canucks later on down the road when schooly is done, and maybe about doing an internship with them. As of right now its just to talk to them and see what lies ahead, and it should be a good way to get my foot in the door.


So, now back to my site. My goal is to be known as the guy who does all the cool interviews with tough guys, and hopefully I can develop a repuation as having some good ones and then hopefully gain some popularity, and make the site a favourite among hockey fans. Ideally, i'll be known among some of the tough guys as a guy that they want to talk to.

Anyways, for now I gotta go do some homework, so stay tuned for more...



Chris