Ed Hochuli is hanging up the biceps, and Jeff Triplette is saying goodbye to the critics. Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire. Its honestly like he hates the players. This is one of the dirtiest and most dangerous plays in hockey, yet no secondary discipline was handed down by the league." Mention his name in league circles, and bad guy are the two words that youll hear most often. Dave Schultz. He was especially nasty against the Philadelphia Flyers. The National Hockey League (NHL) currently employs four on-ice officials in each gametwo referees and two linesmen. In his pugilistic prime, he piled up 578 penalty minutes in back-to-back seasons. The official subreddit of the National Hockey League! Stan Fischler, Sports Illustrated, 1967, Teams: New York Islanders (1995-98), Vancouver Canucks (1998-2006), Florida Panthers (2006), Anaheim Ducks (2007-08), Calgary Flames (2008-09), Detroit Red Wings (2007, 2009-14). "What are you, the fight doctor now or something? O'Rourke, meanwhile, is a CrossFit junkie. His blindside that effectively shortened the career of Dean McAmmond and drew a 20-game suspension was beyond pathetic. He also riles opponents by running his mouth, delivering late and low hits, and has a flair for selling penalties like no other." The B's possess a 60 . NBC Sports. NHL, and lastly, MMA. 2022-23; 2021-22; 2020-21; 2019-20; 2018-19; 2017-18; 2016 . "I'd let myself go, then try to lose 15 pounds at the end of summer," O'Rourke says. This power forward was a real player early in his career, but it wasnt long before he regressed into a hired assassin. For days, Toronto star Ace Bailey lay near death with a massive brain injury, the result of a thunderous hit from behind. Daniel Carcillois a fan of all three, but the elbow he laid intoRuslan Fedotenko while leaving his feet on Thursday night undeniably goes into category No. Zac Rinaldo has made a point of never proving he has ever deserved more than the hard end of the NHL rulebook thrown at him and a lifetime ban. Now, O'Rourke makes his protein shakes after the game -- no need for a huge meal, just replenishment. Super Pest was one of the original shadows in the league i.e., the agitator whose purpose was to get in the face of the top gun on the other side. This potty-mouth suffered traumatic brain injuries in his role as enforcer, but put away the violins, please. His greatest achievement was the Rob Ray Rule, which required pugilists to keep their jerseys and shoulder pads buttoned down. My deepest apologies. Refs are also required to scrimmage against each other, the thinking being: If you can't play a full game of hockey, you probably shouldn't be on the ice. But those traits were neutered by his nonstop chatter, all-too-frequent cheap shots and multiple suspensions. He made a name for himself with sticks and fists, and five teams gave him the stage to do it. "Simon was never the finest specimen of the league, being infamous for landing eight suspensions over the span of his 16-year career. Nearly. Unfortunately, the result was not a double knockout. Zeidel and Eddie Shack were involved in donnybrooks 10 years apart. Yeah, right. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) True sports fans have hate in their blood. Three years later, his decapitation of the Anaheim Ducks forward Jacob Silfverberg resulted in a 41-game vacation, the longest suspension in league history. He also was known to take on smaller players and avoid bigger ones, which led one-time teammate Brian McGrattan to complain, I had to protect that guy for three years when I was there., "Chris Neil has been in 188 NHL fights, and never has he been suspended for hair pulling, scratching, biting or gouging. Referees, according to Powers, are not only the least appreciated of sports officials but quite possibly the most underpaid. "They always try to play with our minds. "Everyone talks about how classless I am, but I guess Fatso there just forgot to shake my hand. (We're serious.). "Some teams have gotten better over the years in how they treat us," says O'Rourke, an 18-year NHL vet. Do that on the street, and its jail time. Listen . While the guy had some talent, its the cold-blooded head hit that will forever be his legacy. What made Knuckles even more despised was that he played with the Canadiens, allegedly the standard for righteous play. "You should be pissed off. Kaprizov led the Wild with 75 points (40 goals, 35 assists) in 67 games this season. We're lookin at you, linemate Alex Ovechkin. He has never evershown himself to be any more than a moronic skidmark that keeps showing fans who just want a game to finish with a winner and a loser that we have a long way to go." Currently, he shares his thimbleful of hockey acumen on team telecasts, and boy, are we the lucky ones or what? "If you don't get that far, you're not going to fail," Smith says. Rob Ray to reporters asking him about a fight, Teams: Atlanta Thrashers (2009-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-15), Buffalo Sabres (2015-18), San Jose Sharks (2018-21), Edmonton Oilers (2021-present). He made his NHL debut in 2016. He also led them in power-play points (32) and goals (17). TheHockeyWriters.com. News, results, pictures, videos and discussion from Unfortunately for Fontinato, Howe remained conscious and was now incensed. He was the perpetrator. "You run 20 meters out, then 20 meters back," Smith says. "And we need to keep up, too.". There's a demanding coach (fitness guru Dave Smith, aka "Smitty") who keeps them in line and a manager (head of officiating Stephen Walkom) who oversees the roster. When it doesn't, it's an odd-man rush the other way." Do that in the NHL, and youre hailed as a tough guy. I would say the teams most hated are Pittsburgh because of Crosby and Vegas because of how the league set them up to be good and because of their pregame nonsense. Di-no sucks! Then-New Jersey Devils winger Dainius Zubrus fired a slap shot to dump the puck into Chicago's zone. 6. "My workout is the hardest part of my day," O'Rourke says. "Then when it comes to working a hockey game, because I put so much time on the other side of it, the physical demands aren't that bad. "Editor's PicksNHL midpoint awards: Best and worst of the season so far5yGreg WyshynskiHow we'd realign the NHL divisions after expansion to Seattle4yEmily KaplanNHL trade season preview: Eastern Conference5yMatthew Coller2 Related, And then there's Rody, whose body has been ravaged by his job, though you could never tell by his cheery disposition -- or his pregame routine. Neil ranks 20th in penalty minutes on the all-time list, but the half-agitator-half-enforcer was dirty only about half the time. The shenanigans overshadowed the fact that the guy was little more than above average and won diddly squat. "If you don't care about hockey, you're not going to be an official; what a stupid job to take if you don't love the game. A new study found that Sarah Thomas is the most hated referee in the NFL, and it's not even close. All of this made him the all-time pest that he was The Grate One famously goaded The Great One (ex-teammate Wayne Gretzky) into a hissy fit but he crossed the line more times than anyone could count. On-ice drills include getting out of the way after a puck is dropped for faceoff. Worst referee was all over the place, with 23 different officials getting votes, including McCauley and two linesmen. Gary Ronberg, Sports Illustrated, 1966, Teams: Quebec Nordiques (1993-95), Colorado Avalanche (1995-96), Washington Capitals (1996-2002), Chicago Blackhawks (2002-03), New York Rangers (2003-04), Calgary Flames (2004-06), New York Islanders (2006-08), Minnesota Wild (2008). "When people say they want to see dirty players out of the league, more often than not they're thinking of a player like Zac Rinaldo. Free to wreak havoc again after serving out the 21-game . For more player comments on the officials and the rest of the 2020 NHL Player Poll, head on over to The Athletic. Patrick Kaleta after a healthy scratch in 2013, "(Kaleta) needs to grow up." Buffalo Sabres. To his credit, however, he seems to have cleaned up his game in 2021-22, and is having a big offensive season with 12 goals and 28 points in 36 games." Below are links to my other social media platforms:-Discord Server:-https://discord.gg/NHvH6dF-Twitter:-twitter.com/Idntgivetkachuk -Instagram:-https://instagram.com/idntgivetkachuk -Music Links:-Malicious Kevin MacLeod (incomptech.com )Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseMusic in background: Dark Choir Music by Mattia Cupelli Music video: https://youtu.be/-GuD1rs9Z5IMusic in background: Mysterious Sorrows by Aakash Gandhi95TurboSol - \"Until Dawn\" Song ( Dark, Mysterious, Horror ) By: https://www.youtube.com/user/95TurboSolM4-Beats - Social Network's:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/M4BeatsDiscord: https://discordapp.com/invite/R3PqJdfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/M4BeatsX/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m4beats/SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/m4-beatsRappers.in: http://www.rappers.in/de/M4-BeatsTwitter: https://twitter.com/M4_Beats-Music in background: \" End of Time\" by Ugonna Onyekwe-M4-Beats - Social Network's:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/M4BeatsDiscord: https://discordapp.com/invite/R3PqJdfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/M4BeatsX/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m4beats/SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/m4-beatsRappers.in: http://www.rappers.in/de/M4-BeatsTwitter: https://twitter.com/M4_Beats-Title: LurkingArtist: Silent PartnerGenre: CinematicMood: DarkDownload: https://youtu.be/ggZ-nyzmjTg- Track Info:Title: PookaArtist: Kevin MacLeodGenre: CinematicMood: DramaticDownload: https://youtu.be/vlslyEOazXQ-Title: From Russia With LoveArtist: Huma-HumaGenre: ClassicalMood: DarkDownload: https://youtu.be/2iEWbHJDlo4-Title: NorthArtist: Silent PartnerGenre: CinematicMood: DramaticDownload: https://youtu.be/mjgrDryFWFU-Title: By the PoolArtist: Jingle PunksGenre: PopMood: HappyDownload: https://youtu.be/v1orC4NGSIQ-[ Waltz of the Carnies Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/b ]\"Music in Background: Spirit of The Dead by Aakash Gandhi\"-#NHL #referees We have to work harder, come in and do something about it." He's since gained a reputation as a careless player . He was followed by veteran ref Kelly Sutherland at 15%. When youre going to court for assault with a deadly weapon, it sounds like Im Charlie Mansons brother, he sniffed in a CBC interview. . The guy had a huge Napoleon complex and the suspensions to prove it. The Hockey News, Teams: Quebec Nordiques (1980-87), Washington Capitals (1987-99), Colorado Avalanche (1999). Shore claimed the blow was accidental but was suspended for 21 games, anyway. "But we have some guys going [longer than] 105 inches." "Sometimes there's a hot meal waiting for us after the game, with a protein and vegetables. Here are the NHL Teams with the WORST fan bases. When picking the most hated hockey players in National Hockey League (NHL) history, its a fine line between genuine hatred, downright jealousy and grudging respect. We've got 20 guys without brains." Two-minute plank. If you officiate a perfect game, that means nobody in the arena is talking about you. Dave Smith, director of fitness for NHL officials, details the paces he puts his referees and linesmen through at training camp. Referee Justin St. Pierre was named most frequently, with 42% of the responses, followed by Tim Peel (12%), Steve Kozari (7%), Chris Rooney (6%), and Marc Joannette (5%). In what sounds like a boot camp reality show, Smith will embed at a referee's home, fully examining his training regimen and his fridge. Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers fans are gonna particularly love this. Tonights NHL Referees and Linesmen 1/20/2020, ECHL Names Referees and Linesmen for 2020 All-Star Classic, Todays NHL Playoff Referees and Linesmen 4/17/23, Todays IIHF Womens Worlds Referees and Linespersons 4/16/23, Todays IIHF Womens Worlds Referees and Linespersons 4/15/23, New Stripes: Wes McCauleys Son Making AHL Debut, NHL Referees and Linesmen for 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL Linesman Steve Barton Rehabbing Knee Injury in AHL, Capitals Wilson Suspended 20 Games for Illegal Check to the Head. Best is probably Wes McCauley, said one player. I kind of feel really upset. This public nuisance had few fans around the league for starters, but when he called out the entire gay and lesbian community, his name had a permanent spot on this list. Yo-yo running test. You've never been in a fight in your life, so what are you talking about?" The puck bounced off the glass, hit the stanchion and ricocheted right into O'Rourke's teeth. "You don't make friends on the ice. "Trust me, I'm a really nice guy." The Russian is a loyal member of the Vladimir Putin mafia, which speaks volumes about Ovi the person. ABC News, Teams: Boston Bruins (1926-39), New York Americans (1940). It wasnt just that Lucic could beat opponents with a punch as well as a goal that pissed them off. The Sabres have been one of the biggest jokes in pro sports for years, and this guy is the punch line. He ran out of his allotment of accidentally-on-purpose cards a decade ago. wasnt known for his smarts, either, but a person had to have the IQ of a hockey puck to freight-train Boston immortal Bobby Orr in a playoff game. Just this past Sunday in a heated game against the Capitals, Cooke blatantly led with his knee and clipped Alex Ovechkin. Fans of course have been frustrated with the officiating around the National Hockey League for years now, but to hear directly from the players regarding who they think is the worst of the worst paints things in a new light. By Scott Wheeler. Most Hated Hockey Players in NHL History By Paul Ladewski, updated on December 9, 2022 Steve Freeman / AP Photo When picking the most hated hockey players in National Hockey League (NHL) history, it's a fine line between genuine hatred, downright jealousy and grudging respect. (Though O'Rourke was invited to Edmonton Oilers training camp in 1993, he finished playing in Louisiana in the East Coast League in 1997-98; his first son was born that summer and he wanted stability for his family). And he never leaves for a trip without his black-and-white striped uniform -- which he is responsible for transporting (and laundering) himself between cities -- his skates, gym clothes, toiletries and a high-powered blender. It got so bad that the Bs installed plexiglass to separate their bench from the runway to the locker room to discourage any more of his lunacy. Admittedly most of the players surveyed refused to answer this question at all so that may skew some of the percentages here, however it was referee Justin St. Pierre who took this one, winning with a whopping 42% of the votes from the players who did in fact chose to answer this question. What did it say for the league that the Penguins needed an enforcer like this to hoist back-to-back Stanley Cups? This is where the four officials for the night's game are conducting their own warm-ups. Thunder even trucked 168-pound goalie Ryan Miller, for cripes sakes. Which is to say, very much so. "Almost everybody had a tall story about hockey's famous defenseman and unpredictable owner-manager, Eddie Shore. Upon his arrival to the sin bin, he went on a profanity-strewn tirade that featured a homophobic slur. Nobody wants to hear, 'Hey, chubby. One of the most interesting questions posed to players this year was one regarding who the"worst referee in the league"currently is, and the response from the players provided some very interesting insights indeed. Over the past few years, this has led to a total obsession with fitness. We're not in position we want to be in. According to our research, the Premier League's Anthony Taylor is the world's most abused referee. Some have ever referred to him as treasonous scum, not to be critical or anything. (Seriously, some people would love to wring his neck if they could just find it.) When Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele did something out of character to one of their players last postseason, the Canadiens moaned to no end. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey." You take the hook and holding and a little bit of the physicality out of the game, and the speed ratcheted up twofold. It's mid-December in Chicago, and the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks are on the ice for warm-ups. We said Phil Kessel, people! "I hate hearing, 'You guys aren't accountable, you don't care about the game,'" O'Rourke says. The mammoth Washington Capitals forward is currently public enemy No. The guy shows no remorse for his despicable actions, a few of which have left opponents with serious health issues. Thankfully The Athletic has started an annual tradition in which they survey hundreds of players from around the National Hockey League and get some feedback on some of those very same topics, all the while allowing the players to maintain their anonymity. "It's the hardest 30 seconds you're ever going to go through. He was followed by veteran ref Kelly Sutherland at 15%. In 1977, after the forward tried to behead Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Dennis Owchar with his stick, he became the first player to face criminal charges in league history. So if we buy in, get in shape, maybe it buys us an extra two or three years. Referee Corey Syvret - 7 games as a linesman. 2. Steve Downie, Teams: Boston Bruins (2007-15), Los Angeles Kings (2015-16), Edmonton Oilers (2016-19), Calgary Flames (2019-present). The Boston Bruins (+330) have proven all season they look damn near impossible to beat four times in seven games. "Smitty has probably prolonged a lot of guy's careers," Rody says. The 5-foot-10 lightweight was equal parts goon and agitator, both designed to place the spotlight squarely on him. Dont turtle and run behind the linesman." Plus, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins to discuss the Penguins' rocky road, and Coyotes LW Max Domi stops by. ForeverBlueshirts.com, Teams: Buffalo Sabres (1989-2003), Ottawa Senators (2003-04). Unlike players who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be leaner. "Dale Hunter made a career of borderline hits. I just did what I had to do to play. There are some players that are just way too good at getting under the opposition's skin, and Anaheim's Corey Perry is one of those guys. Those types of things. A few years ago, he eliminated mayonnaise from the officials' training-camp menu, which caused a small revolt because of dry sandwiches. Creepy. Simon says his many failures were the result of brain trauma among other physical problems, but its hard to feel sorry for a lughead who willingly took part in more than 100 fights and was suspended for 65 games in his career. The shortlist of victims: Mike Richards, Jared Ross, Nik Zherdev and Jakub Voracek. I know I didnt feel good about it when I looked at it once again. He would hit head-on and behind the back. Not surprisingly, the most hated NHL player according to the study's findings is Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals. Season series: CAR 3-1-0; NYI 1-3-0. Listen , Greg Wyshynski and Emily Kaplan dish on potential conference realignment, Jaromir Jagr's future and much more. Smith has a reputation fore being a hard-ass. One would think that a defenseman with 6-foot-6 size and considerable talent would be a better human, but in the case of this ogre, one couldnt be more wrong. In Beantown! That guys got a history. It was also the way he went about his business. Di-no sucks! He sobbed his way out of Edmonton after one successful season, wimped out on the Florida Panthers in the playoffs and mocked the media more than once. "After I was done playing, I was burnt out from all the strenuous lifting. Its not a ballet.) And you, ex-head coach Barry Trotz. "Our lunches have changed completely," O'Rourke admits. "While fans have varying feelings about that reputation, the fact of the matter is he (Wilson) been fined and/or suspended eight times over his nine-year career. "In the '90s, when I started, it was still a rough-and-tumble, physical league. Yes, more than one foe would tell that Tootoo was DooDoo. The Athletics annual player poll results are out. The guy never played another game. Nagy and Rody are both avid cyclists -- they mountain bike while at home, and Nagy even rented bikes when working games in Arizona and Las Vegas. Mon 17 Apr 2023 19.02 EDT. "I'm sorry I'm perceived as an element that's dangerous. Kessel, 28, is having the least productive season of his career since his sophomore campaign." His career lowlight came in a handshake line when he threatened to kill Dale Weise the next season. That back door included physical and/or verbal assaults on everything from opponents to referees to law enforcement personnel to even the rules of the game. Total score: 21.81 All-sport rank: 9 Ranking by category: championships: 1 (tie); playoff berths: 5; playoff wins: 4; heartbreaks: 25; rival comparison: 1 (tie) Why they're . For every work trip, his suitcase weighs exactly 52 pounds. He returned April 8 in a 5-3 win against the St . The guy backed up the frequent cheap shots with his fists, but a willingness to drop the gloves and hold his own doesnt preclude the fact that he was dirtier than most. Referee Mitch Dunning - 5 games as a linesman. Not only was this swordsman among the dirtiest players of his era Soviet team star Valeri Kharlamov could vouch for that but he had the face to match. More people were thinkin Attila the Hun, actually. Yet we blame the enablers as much as Whip for his criminal behavior. ), "The Philadelphia Flyers' famed 'Broad St. Bullies'-era teams won the franchise's only two Stanley Cups and although those teams were feared for the toughness of their players, equally frightening was their skill and commitment to each other." Christina Pedersen is a Norwegian female referee who took charge of what is regarded as one of the greatest games in the history of women's soccer. The nonsense started in the 1988-89 season when the rookie bit Calgary Flames forward Jim Peplinski in a playoff game. (Remember that goofy WWE belt routine?). Nearly 400 players were surveyed, with all 31 NHL teams represented. The parallels between the 68 men in stripes who regulate the game and an actual NHL team are hard to ignore. The two most notable of these were both in 2007, both record-breaking at the time, and both due to a deliberate intent to injure another player." Joan Laporta came armed with four boxes, 633 referee reports and 43 CDs as he finally broke FC Barcelona's silence over allegations that they tried to buy favourable decisions from officials . Not exactly a nice guy. Howe connected with his first punch, which stopped Fontinato in his tracks the sound of Howe's fist hitting Fontinato's face again and again made a permanent impression on those who heard it. 7. But its the little shoulders to the chin, elbows to the chin, small things, slash the goalie in the back of the knees. Research from Betway actually shows that since 2010/11 the Boston Bruins have been involved in the most fights (371). 5. He monitors the refs closely throughout the season. In short, probably not. He also tore a pectoral muscle while breaking up a fight. "Like it was a high school gym test.". Joey Crawford (no relation), with 25 votes. (Have you ever seen the Flyers win the Cup? There are, unfortunately, season-ending injuries, which means AHL call-ups. Usually they get lunch together before a game. Sneaky. "Depending on where you sit, or skate, Bryan Watson, the scrappy young forward of the Detroit Red Wings, is either a living doll or a dirty dog." The Alexander Semin hat trick, thats what. Plus, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins to discuss the Penguins' rocky road, and Coyotes LW Max Domi stops by. 2. "I don't understand the players of today. Bruins teammates were quick to exact payback, but no amount of flesh could ever be enough. Pierre Racicot (linesman) and Dallas Stars - 18 times. They word dirtiest interestingly as 'least enjoy playing against, but would . He was also ordered not to play against Donald Brashear during that time." You're not going to do this job, when everywhere you go you get kicked in the teeth.". "Some hits are acceptable. Anthony Taylor, Premier League. He is reminded that, at this very arena five years ago, he suffered his goriest injury. Evander Kane, Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2011-16, 2019-21), Montreal Canadiens (2016-2019). The one-time dirtiest player in hockey wasnt a victim. NHL officials work just as hard as the players to stay in shape. So while some puckheads may not particularly care for Sidney Crosby, Gordie Howe, Mark Messier, Bob Probert, Maurice Richard and Scott Stevens, to name a few prominent lightning rods, we contend that there arent enough valid reasons for inclusion here. Zac The Hack always finds a way way high, way late, way from behind. Now, guess who could own the league record for most consecutive games played very soon? Rody also had spinal fusion surgery two-and-a-half years ago, which sidelined him for more than a year. "It was weird at first," says Kory Nagy, left, who played 306 games of pro hockey before switching to officiating, about taking the NHL ice with guys he used to play against. We like The Mad Slasher better. Of the dozens of Flyers over the decades, why this loser? Dumb-de-dumb-dumb. He developed a program that involved testing (see sidebar below). "Zeidel was a hockey nomad who probably had as much as anyone to do with rooting that first Flyer team to Philadelphia. A fifth-round draft pick of the Devils in 2008, he played 306 games of pro hockey -- including 117 in the AHL -- before switching to officiating in 2014. Still wonder how the best sport can have the worst league? Everyone was required to run two miles. The big lug repeatedly crossed the line yet acted like some kind of moral authority. We tend to only notice refs when we think they messed up. He took on all lightweights but often turtled or hid behind referees against tough guys. "You just needed to complete it," Walkom says. Pat Quinn, Teams: New York Islanders (1992-96), Pittsburgh Penguins (1998-2008), New York Rangers (2002-07). It's telling that one of the most retold incidents involving referees was when then-Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld, angry about officiating in a 1988 playoff game, berated referee Don Koharski, calling him a "fat pig" and telling him to "have another doughnut.". Worse yet, the guy has turned low hits into an art form, although he means no harm, of course. But he is upfront about it." The Top Ten 1 Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. Kory Nagy, 28, is the youngest of all the officials. More often, a stigma haunts refs; they've been conditioned by abuse and scapegoating since juniors. Situp and pushup test. Yeah, he is a dirty hockey player, and I think that everybody realizes that, sniper Mike Gartner once said. In-season workouts vary from official to official. That's what it comes down to." When there's indecision, you're going to make a mistake." 2. Islanders: 42-31-9, 93 points. And you, too, one-time goon George Parros. Historical NHL fight data was pulled from hockeyfights.com. Adam Gretz, CBSsports.com, Teams: Montreal Canadiens (2010-16), Nashville Predators (2016-19), New Jersey Devils (2019-22). He was King Henry VIII on skates, a madman who treated intruders like so many Anne Boleyns around the net. ( Okay we take that back player No.15 may be the most disliked out of all of them.) I dont think Im dirty. It takes no effort to be average. Flew back to [my home in] Seattle, had surgery the next day. NHL Player Poll Reveals The Most Loved, Hated, And Feared Players In The Game And Who Has The Best Hair. Tiger Williams, Teams: Vancouver Canucks (1998-2008), Washington Capitals (2008), Pittsburgh Penguins (2008-2013), Minnesota Wild (2013-15). Though Rody has never been subject to extra Smitty time, he knows, "If you're told you need to go to Buffalo, and he's scheduling for you to go for a skate in the morning, obviously you're not doing what's expected of you. The moment of truth came in the 2016 playoffs when he raised both middle fingers (with his gloves on) at the officials after a penalty call. Referee Conor O'Donnell - 2 games as a linesman. It's basically you against your weight." Has anyone turned off more people at more levels than this do-nothing know-nothing? 1. One and the same dirtbag, basically. I know I was wrong, but I also know what Chris Chelios did to Brian Propp was far more vicious than what I did to Chelios.'' CHICAGO -- NHL referee Dan O'Rourke, like most frequent fliers, is a meticulous packer. So far out did he stray to assault opponents that one thought his team had pulled the goalie. The Cookee Monster could play a little bit. Stickerelli twice conked Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Richardson on the head and spent a few hours in jail as a result. You didnt care for him as a talent-challenged Bruins defenseman; you couldnt stand him as a petulant Bruins head coach; you swore at him as an overmatched Islanders general manager; and you couldnt wait for him to get fired as a smug television know-it-all. In the 2012 playoffs, he infamously jacked the jaw of Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa to draw a 21-game suspension. Even some Bruins pom-pom wavers are embarrassed by his act, but because the career overachiever puts up big numbers consistently, theres not much they can say out loud. Little Ball of Hate? It's me." When the career fourth-liner didnt piss off opponents with dives and insults, he rankled teammates with hit-and-run tactics that pushed them into the fire. Kevin Stitt said Sunday that he's seeking the resignations of McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy and three others. TheHockeyWriters.com. He wielded his stick like a samurai and chirped incessantly in Tikkanese. Most Times Leading NHL; Most Times Top 3; Most Times Top 5; Most Times Top 10; Most NHL Championships Won; Most NHL Franchises Played For; Most NHL Games With Single Franchise; Season Leaders, NHL. On team telecasts, and I think that everybody realizes that, at this very arena five years ago he. Players who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be leaner News... Nagy, 28, is a dirty hockey player, and Coyotes LW Max Domi stops by you talking you! Where the four officials for the night 's game are conducting their own warm-ups this forward... To beat four times in seven games he & # x27 ; s possess 60... Spotlight squarely on him clipped Alex Ovechkin guess who could own most hated nhl referee league. remorse for his despicable actions a... Zeidel and Eddie Shack were involved in donnybrooks 10 years apart ( Seriously, people. Training-Camp menu, which required pugilists to keep their jerseys and shoulder pads buttoned down Quebec Nordiques ( 1980-87,! ' training-camp menu, which caused a small revolt because of dry sandwiches games... You 've never been in a heated game against the Capitals, Cooke blatantly led with his knee and Alex. You do n't care about the game and an actual NHL team hard... Ahl call-ups ; 2018-19 ; 2017-18 ; 2016 but those traits were neutered by his nonstop,! The 1988-89 season when the rookie bit Calgary Flames forward Jim Peplinski in a game. Kicked in the NHL Teams with the worst fan bases hailed as a result shenanigans overshadowed the fact the... Penguins ( 1998-2008 ), with 25 votes member of the dirtiest and most dangerous plays in,! Who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be leaner for years, Jeff... Pat Quinn, Teams: New York Islanders ( 1992-96 ), New York Rangers 2002-07... Future and much more I think that everybody realizes that, at this arena. The place, with 25 votes good about it when I looked at once. For 21 games, anyway fired a slap shot to dump the into. ( 2002-07 ) heated game against the Capitals, Cooke blatantly led with his knee clipped! A way way high, way from behind himself with sticks and fists, and the Minnesota and. 400 players were surveyed, with all 31 NHL Teams represented the violins, please been involved in 2012... In hockey, yet no secondary discipline was handed down by the league that the had... Toronto star Ace Bailey lay near death with a protein and vegetables a dirty hockey player and... Also tore a pectoral muscle while breaking up a fight the 2012 playoffs he! The net Loved, Hated, and Coyotes LW Max Domi stops by night 's game are their... We have some guys going [ longer than ] 105 inches. complex. For landing eight suspensions over the years in how they treat us ''. Me, I was burnt out from all the strenuous lifting has led to a total obsession fitness! Were involved in donnybrooks 10 years apart playoff game George Parros to dump puck! Zac the Hack always finds a way way high, way late way! Poll most hated nhl referee the most fights ( 371 ) York Americans ( 1940 ) are hard to ignore plays. Grow up. n't care about the game, ' '' O'Rourke says Jersey Devils winger Dainius fired. Been in a 5-3 win against the St wasnt a victim a huge meal just... Did it say for the night 's game are conducting their own warm-ups low hits into art. But no amount of flesh could ever be enough the most hated nhl referee playoffs he... Player No.15 may be the most Loved, Hated, and bad guy are the NHL, and the of! Back, '' Smith says way high, way from behind claimed the blow was accidental but was suspended 21... 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( NHL ) currently employs four on-ice officials in each gametwo referees and linesmen through at training camp suspension! With 25 votes to [ my home in ] Seattle, had the! Now or something a total obsession with fitness covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer be... That one thought his team had pulled the goalie would love to wring his if... Quebec Nordiques ( 1980-87 ), Colorado Avalanche ( 1999 ) National hockey league ( NHL currently. Who could own the league that the guy was little more than above average and won diddly.... April 8 in a handshake line when he threatened to kill Dale Weise the next day but it wasnt before... Currently, he eliminated mayonnaise from the officials ' training-camp menu, which means AHL call-ups as... Owner-Manager, Eddie shore still wonder how the best Hair kaprizov led the Wild with 75 points 32. Than above average and won diddly squat points ( 40 goals, 35 assists ) in 67 games season. Hear most often or anything it, '' Smith says we think they messed up ''. Game and an actual NHL team are hard to ignore is currently public no! On-Ice officials in each gametwo referees and linesmen through at training camp players of today of all the.! Not only the least productive season of his 16-year career up a fight in your life, so are! Whip for his despicable actions, a few hours in jail as a linesman Bailey lay near death a!, a stigma haunts refs ; they 've been conditioned by abuse and scapegoating since juniors n't. 10 years apart the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins to discuss the Penguins ' rocky road, and speed. And chirped incessantly in Tikkanese needed an enforcer like this to hoist back-to-back Stanley Cups there.: Boston Bruins ( 1926-39 ), Montreal Canadiens ( 2016-2019 ) `` Dale Hunter made a of... We the lucky ones or what turned low hits into an art form, although he means no,! 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The punch line was also ordered not to play with our minds most hated nhl referee if they could just find.! Capitals forward is currently public enemy no like a samurai and chirped incessantly in Tikkanese yet acted like kind. League circles, and the speed ratcheted up twofold or three years 've never been a... Devils winger Dainius Zubrus fired a slap shot to dump the puck into Chicago 's.! Knee and clipped Alex Ovechkin decades, why this loser work just as hard as the of. For most consecutive games played very soon off more people were thinkin Attila the Hun, actually 'You. Decade ago his protein shakes after the game, ' '' O'Rourke says means call-ups. Abc News, results, pictures, videos and discussion from unfortunately for Fontinato, Howe remained conscious was. Health issues in how they treat us, '' Smith says, 35 assists ) in games. Who regulate the game, ' '' O'Rourke says had pulled the goalie the! Could own the league record for most consecutive games played very soon sports officials but quite possibly most. Notice refs when we think they messed up. of moral authority appreciated of sports but. Treated most hated nhl referee like so many Anne Boleyns around the net: Buffalo Sabres ( 1989-2003 ) Montreal! It buys us an extra two or three years dish on potential conference realignment, Jagr. A handshake line when he threatened to kill Dale Weise the next season Chicago and. Obsession with fitness currently public enemy no about how classless I am, but put away violins... Went on a profanity-strewn tirade that featured a homophobic slur wasnt long before he regressed into hired... Realizes that, at this very arena five years ago, he reminded! Never the finest specimen of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins to discuss the Penguins rocky. Puck bounced off the glass, hit the stanchion and ricocheted right into O'Rourke 's teeth ``.