Who is the best hockey fighter of all time?

[Kevin]

Mick Vukota says that Tie Domi just...kept...coming. Like stated above, head made of concrete. Gillies essentially ended Schultz’ reign as baddest man in the league. O’Reilly Gillies in the 1980 quarter finals battled to 1:1:1 in their three fights.

As for Nick Fotiu - I ran into him at the Long Island Marriott after his playing career. The nicest guy. Can’t believe I rooted against him!

Let’s unpack just what a POS Mike Milbury was: 1980 Quarterfinals. All these guys pair off at the Boston Garden. Who does Milbury, wannabe tough guy, pair off with? Butch Goring...with an all time total of 91 career PIM Over a 15 year career! And the f’ing Isles hire him 15 years later.

[Jim65]

I lost all respect for Domi when he literally ran away from Sandy McCarthy, then tried to go after Flyers goalie Brian Boucher, one of the all-time punk moves.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Jim65

I lost all respect for Domi when he literally ran away from Sandy McCarthy, then tried to go after Flyers goalie Brian Boucher, one of the all-time punk moves.

A buddy of mine is close with Piero Greco when he was up in Toronto working with junior goalies. (As it turns out, Piero wound up on LI). But the Tie Domi stories post career really paint him as being a first class jerk according to Piero and Joe.

Then there are stories from Teemu that say Domi was the salt of the earth.

I think a relationship went south with a news anchor up in Toronto and Domi handled it very poorly post break up.

Not sure I remember what Mick had to say about him. I know he disliked him when they were playing.

[Nunzio11]

Great documentary on Netflix about this topic called Ice Guardians. Interviews a number of players and former enforcers about the role, the code, life style, etc.
Good watch for hockey fans. Almost all the names mentioned above come up.

[JollyElm]

Clark Gillies...with a shout-out to Billy Smith, if we're including netminders!!!

[MooseDog]

In a short career I think I ever saw Link Gaetz clearly lose a fight with the Sharks, except maybe once to Kocur. He didn't back down from anyone.

Epic bout with Probert is on YouTube, circa 1991.

Funniest one was some guy on St Louis got a little blindsided, threw off his gloves not knowing who hit him. This was right in front of where my seats were. The St Louis guy saw it was Gaetz and the look on his face was priceless. Gaetz gave him a chance to back out but the St Louis guy had to save face so Link said, OK, and proceeded to pound him pretty good.

[gopherfan]

Originally Posted by MooseDog

In a short career I think I ever saw Link Gaetz clearly lose a fight with the Sharks, except maybe once to Kocur. He didn't back down from anyone.

Epic bout with Probert is on YouTube, circa 1991.

Funniest one was some guy on St Louis got a little blindsided, threw off his gloves not knowing who hit him. This was right in front of where my seats were. The St Louis guy saw it was Gaetz and the look on his face was priceless. Gaetz gave him a chance to back out but the St Louis guy had to save face so Link said, OK, and proceeded to pound him pretty good.

I just watched this. Gaetz threw some haymakers.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by gopherfan

I just watched this. Gaetz threw some haymakers.

My first time seeing Gaetz, he TKOed Randy McKay, Randy was very tough and had a good jaw, I was very impressed.

[maniac_73]

I worked at the Leafs during Domi's time there. Mats may have had the C on his chest but make no mistake Tie was the captain. If you messed up you had to answer to Tie. He was a hothead and not everyone got along with him but he kept that team in line.

Originally Posted by Kevin

A buddy of mine is close with Piero Greco when he was up in Toronto working with junior goalies. (As it turns out, Piero wound up on LI). But the Tie Domi stories post career really paint him as being a first class jerk according to Piero and Joe.

Then there are stories from Teemu that say Domi was the salt of the earth.

I think a relationship went south with a news anchor up in Toronto and Domi handled it very poorly post break up.

Not sure I remember what Mick had to say about him. I know he disliked him when they were playing.