Hockey has always had its bruisers—those players who weren’t out there to score pretty goals but to deliver punishment, drop the gloves, and send a clear message. These enforcers became legends not for finesse, but for making opponents think twice before crossing the line.
Some of them were beloved by their home crowds and booed relentlessly on the road. Others were universally despised for their goonish antics and relentless physicality. Either way, they left a trail of bruises and bad blood that fans and players won’t soon forget.
15. John Kordic
Kordic was the kind of guy who didn’t just fight—he made it personal. He was feared for his short fuse and his willingness to throw down at the drop of a helmet.
14. Rob Ray
Ray was notorious for stripping off his jersey before a fight to avoid being grabbed, a tactic so effective that the league made a rule against it. His fists did the talking, and they were rarely quiet.
13. Gino Odjick
Odjick played with zero fear and a whole lot of fury. He had a reputation for protecting his teammates with thunderous hits and haymakers that echoed through the arena.
12. Bob Probert
Probert was part enforcer, part chaos machine. He could hurt you with a punch or a goal and did both with terrifying consistency.
11. Dave “Tiger” Williams
With a nickname like “Tiger,” you knew what you were in for. Williams led the league in penalty minutes and treated every game like a backyard brawl.
10. Marty McSorley
McSorley wasn’t just feared—opponents loathed him. His on-ice outbursts and controversial stickwork made him the villain in plenty of NHL storylines.
9. Tie Domi
Domi was a firecracker in skates who loved being hated. Fans booed him loudly, but his right hook was even louder.
8. Chris Simon
Simon brought a dangerous edge to every shift he played. His career was filled with suspensions, wild incidents, and a reputation for going way over the line.
7. Clark Gillies
Gillies didn’t fight often, but when he did, it was brutal. Opponents respected his hands—and not just for their scoring ability.
6. Georges Laraque
Laraque was a gentleman off the ice, but an absolute menace on it. His intimidating size and devastating punches earned him respect and fear league-wide.
5. Dave Schultz
“Schultz-y” practically wrote the enforcer playbook during the Broad Street Bullies era. He racked up penalty minutes like they were points and never backed down from a fight.
4. Donald Brashear
Brashear was one of the most physically imposing enforcers ever. His ability to dish out punishment made him hated by rivals and cherished by teammates.
3. Scott Stevens
Stevens didn’t always drop the gloves, but his bone-crushing hits did just as much damage. Players knew to keep their heads up—or risk getting flattened.
Read more: 10 NHL Players Who Were Just There for the Fights
2. Dale Hunter
Hunter was the ultimate agitator: dirty, dangerous, and downright ruthless. He played with a mean streak a mile wide and didn’t care who hated him for it.
Read more: 18 Hockey Enforcers Who Took Things Way Too Far
1. Bobby Clarke
Clarke may have worn the captain’s “C,” but he also brought the chaos. With his dirty stick work and relentless style, he was as hated by opponents as he was loved in Philly.
Read more: Ranking the 15 Most Ruthless NFL Defenders of All Time
