Per The Hockey Writers:
All NHL players have one thing in common; toughness. Competing in a sport where danger awaits every corner in a matter of seconds isn’t for the weak in heart. The NHL’s speed keeps the players on full alert because the slightest ignorance leads to a painful lesson.
There’s no denying that a full season with or without the playoffs puts the body through enormous tests. During that time, each individual will likely run into a player who can put them on the injured reserve well before the final weeks of the year with their tactics.
A hit from behind here, a high stick there is just the start. This batch of dirty players doesn’t seem content on competing in a safe method to avoid controversy. No, they prefer to initiate it.
If you feel that I may be judging an individual too harshly or disagree with me that’s fine. I will provide references, similar to the ones found on a resume, who may vouch for me choosing each.
These are the guys that make hockey that much rougher to play. Don’t bank on a Lady Byng Trophy in any of their careers.
10) Chris Neil (Ottawa Senators)
Before I get into Neil’s case, I should point out that he can be a tremendous hitter and sticks up for himself against the big boys. That being said, his checks have been aimed a little high for a lot of people’s liking. Overall, he’s a superb enforcer and energy player but he certainly isn’t squeaky clean.
References: Kris Letang (sucker punch), Andy McDonald (elbow), Jeremy Reich (high hit).
9) Denis Gauthier (Los Angeles Kings)
Gauthier plays an intimidating brand of hockey with his open-ice hits. Always physical, he’s gone head hunting previously and leaves his feet when zeroing in on an opponent sometimes. He remains an unrestricted free agent for the time being so NHL forwards may not have to worry about him any longer.
References: Josh Gorges (leaping elbow), Patrick Marleau (head shot), Patrick Kaleta (sucker punch).
8 ) Jordin Tootoo (Nashville Predators)
Jeremy Roenick was recently asked which player he would want most to punch off of the ice. A lot of names were there for him to choose over his 18-year career yet he selected Jordin Tootoo who is dangerous for a number of reasons. He often hits late, comes in with tons of speed and jumps like there’s no tomorrow. That’s a troika which makes concussions inevitable if he lands it.
References: Stephane Robidas (sucker punch), Jan Hejda (late hit), Daniel Winnik (elbow).
7) Matt Cooke (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Summing up Cooke perfectly are the following three words: hit and run. His preferred M.O. is taking a stab at someone and then fleeing the scene before they can get their hands on him. Also, he cherishes the sight of officials stepping in between the two. While Cooke isn’t the most threatening guy to look out for, his cowards way out routine gets annoying.
References: Derek Boogaard (shove and run), Chris Osgood (kick), Zach Bogosian (knee on knee).
6) Ryan Hollweg (Phoenix Coyotes)
Nobody crafts out hits from behind as well as Hollweg. He doesn’t hide from tilts to his credit however, that has led to a couple of beat-downs from established fighters no doubt pleasing audiences. The terrible penalties he takes can turn the tide easily against his team. Unsurprisingly, he currently sits on waivers after a tryout in Phoenix.
References: Alex Pietrangelo (boarding), Sergei Kostitsyn (boarding).
5) Jarkko Ruutu (Ottawa Senators)
Constantly getting right into his opponents faces, the Finn easily gets under your skin. Ruutu will bring some offense and pot a few shootout goals but agitating is his calling card. The penalties he takes are unnecessary at times as are the theatrics. On a better note, he has provided great laughs too.
References: Andrew Peters (bite), Maxim Lapierre (elbow), Alex Kovalev (dive).
4) Steve Ott (Dallas Stars)
Ott has seen his share of injuries in the NHL due to his rambunctious style of play. It doesn’t appear to have sparked any changes because he’s still doing what brought him to the dance. A hard worker, he pocketed 19 goals and 27 assists last season becoming an elite rebel. Ott has gone overboard before so he must draw the line somewhere.
References: Travis Moen (eye gouge), Jordan Leopold (head shot), Dany Heatley (late hit).
3) Sean Avery (New York Rangers)
Verbally, Avery has done the most damage in the league. Instead of high hits or boarding, the pest prefers waving a stick in front of a goalie or simply slashing him in the back of the head as he skates by. The Ontario native believes the NHL needs to market their villains. Well, Avery has seen plenty of the spot light courtesy of his mouth.
References: Brendan Witt (spear), Simeon Varlamov (sucker punch), Elisha Cuthbert (sloppy comments).
2) Steve Downie (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Just 61 games into his NHL career, Downie has already received a 20-game suspension in both the NHL and AHL. He’s got offensive upside, yet seems to ignore it losing his temper easily for whatever reason. Perhaps a taste of his own medicine will have him focusing preferably on his potential and not frustration.
References: Dean McAmmond (head shot), Jason Blake (sucker punch), AHL Referee (slashing).
1) Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)
As dirty as he can be, Pronger is such a stimulus that NHL experts are branding the Flyers as 2010 Stanley Cup Champions. The last two teams he joined (Edmonton and Anaheim) were finalists in his first take-ins. With his size and strength, the former Norris Trophy winner can basically do what he wants, when he wants. Would you really try putting a 6-foot-6 colossal as unpleasant as Pronger in his place?
References: Tomas Holmstrom (elbow), Dean McAmmond (elbow), Ryan Kesler (stomp).
