"The Code" in Hockey | British Guy Reacts

The Code: Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retribution in Ice Hockey| British Guy Reacts
Please Subscribe if you enjoyed the video: / @british_ian
My Other Socials:
TikTok: / british.ian
Twitter: / british_ian
Instagram: / british_ian
#nhl #hockey #icehockey #icehockeyfamily #british #reactionvideo
Original Video: • THE CODE - The Unwritt...
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER
FAIR USE ACT
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

[@georgerobbins8823]

The pure enforcers as the video talks about are virtually non-existent in the NHL anymore. The ones who qualify today are still way more skilled players than the enforcers of old who some of which would basically only step on the ice to fight. The NHL is way too fast and skilled these days to be able to put those kind of players on your roster and not be a liability.

[@david.anthony5212]

I was thinking about this the other day. Ryan Reaves and Tom Wilson I don't think would be able to hang with the Bob Proberts of the past

[@jfarrell21]

I agree that there are more Matt Martins in the world than there are Bob Proberts, but they perform the same function.

[@david.anthony5212]

@@jfarrell21 That's a good point. I do wonder what a guy like Probert would do in the modern game, since he'd have to contribute more in ways other than being an enforcer to justify his roster spot. Probert had some nice hands for an enforcer and maybe he'd surprise.

[@jfarrell21]

@@david.anthony5212 I’m on your side in theory. People seem to forget that Proby had some skills (there was a playoff series that he had a good number of points). Oddly, to that point, he may have represented the change from pure enforcer to more of a rounded hockey player. May he RIP. I’m an Islander fan who has some years in me - Gillies May have been the start of the talent/tough guy, too. Who knows.

[@MS-ro9dm]

But in reality, that is just the way is is going. You are aware viewership is down? That is the vision Gary Batman (JB) has for the league but fans are not buying into it. I heard a commentator a few nights ago actually critiquing a player for taking the body and not the puck. This is new and there is no way that guy doesn't know it was always "take the man". Not so long ago if you didn't your coach would be all over you. So obviously they are told what to say, what to push. All these flashy private school "skilled players" need is to be sat on their asses a few times and they will slow down. It will also bring back fans. Hockey is supposed to be a grinding chess match. A "man's" game.

[@N1NJ4P1R4T3]

Another thing to note is that a lot of times a player will fight to "fire up" the team to inspire them to get back into the game. It can drastically change the energy and momentum of a game. It's another job of particular players.

[@hrd2imagin]

Most famous of all was Max Talbot vs Daniel Carcillo and the SSSSHHHHHHHHH! that led to 5 consecutive goals.

[@david.anthony5212]

NHL mic'd up videos show more about players asking each other to fight - worth a watch

[@british_ian]

Yeah I need to check that out! 👍

[@david.anthony5212]

@@british_ian if you're looking to make it a reaction, I suggest: Mic'd up fights: this one more shows the respect among fighters part of the code. Angry mic'd up: fights that are probably more about enforcing the code since there's more temper involved And mic'd up refs is also a nice look into NHL culture and how the refs play a role in keeping the temperature of an intense game like hockey. Cheers.

[@QuackAttack]

9:30 "Pests are really the guys who have no courage. They start stuff and don't back it up." - former enforcer George McPhee

[@british_ian]

Makes sense!

[@jfarrell21]

Sean Avery. Just got his teammates to take punches and not deal with things themselves.

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

Tom Wilson is probably the most high profile enforcer right now (when he isn't suspended). Ryan Reaves is another. Brad Marchand is definitely the most well-known (and hated) pest The code is what makes hockey special. It's why IMO its the greatest professional game played in America.

[@blainegurrie7525]

Bob Probert - the best ever. Donald Brashear, Gino Odjick and the great Gordie Howe. Even to this day a "Gordie Howe hat trick" is a goal, an assist and a fight.

[@Dhemize]

I would say the pest definitely can be the enforcer as well, Tom Wilson on the Washingon Capitals comes to mind there. Scoring in the NHL has been increasing every season since 2014-15 so it's a great time to get into hockey! Lots of exciting highlights come out daily from the NHL's own youtube channel or different network youtube channels like Sportsnet, so I'd suggest checking them out to see what a normal night looks like in the NHL these days Great content so far, keep it up :)

[@british_ian]

Thank you so much! Yes will check those channels out, cheers!

[@ParrtridgeTr33]

@@british_ian That man is most likey a rangers or bruins fan...Brad Marchand or Sean Avery are also pests. Tom wilson can also be a skill guy.

[@JPMadden]

1) These guys have been skating since they were 2 or 3 years old, and they're elite athletes. They're probably more stable on ice than many of us are on dry ground. 2) The original video's channel says it was posted only 2-3 years ago, but it's out-of-date. Removing your helmet or your opponent's is no longer allowed, for safety. They may only come off accidentally during a fight. Prior to this rule change, I don't remember ever hearing that it was considered impolite to not remove your helmet, although some might have thought that once visors were made mandatory for new players in 2013. (Who wants to bare-handedly punch all that hard plastic?) Similarly, helmets were made mandatory in 1979, but few wore visors. I think full face shields will eventually be required, like most other leagues do, and that will be the end of fighting. 3) The only player shown during the segment on "pests" was Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins. He is often called "the most hated man in the NHL." He's an unusual player. Throughout his career he has behaved as the video describes. He has been suspended several times for dirty plays that injured or could have injured an opponent. He is constantly trying to "agitate" the opponent, sometimes doing things that his own fans dislike. Such agitators tend to be average or below average talent-wise, but Marchand is an elite player, a possible Hall-of-Famer. I suspect his talent makes his shenanigans even more irritating to opponents (as the cliche goes, "he can talk the talk and walk the walk"). Despite his on-ice behavior, there are numerous stories, some even from the fans of other teams, about what a nice guy he is off the ice. 4) I suppose in the past, a "pest" (or "rat") could have also been called an "enforcer." But generally speaking, enforcers were larger, less skilled players and pests/rats were smaller and more talented. Nowadays, the tern "pest" seems to be reserved for guys who rarely fight. An elite player like Marchand should never fight, as far as his coach is concerned, because he can't score from the penalty box, and he might get injured while fighting. As others have commented, teams are no longer willing to reserve a roster spot for an enforcer who gets in 30, 40, or 50 fights per year but rarely scores. The job of enforcer is now typically split among several players who fight occasionally but primarily are on the team because they have enough talent.

[@british_ian]

Thank you for the detailed explanation! Appreciate it!

[@cosmickid1794]

@@british_ian the main reason fighting is finally being phased out is the NHL being sued by the players over CTE (concussions syndrome) caused from head shots and fighting. They settled a few years back, you can look it up, but, bottom line, NHL doesn't want another lawsuit so it is trying to take all "headshots" out of the game. It's a good idea, ask the families of Wade Belak, Derek, Derek Boogaard and others who died from the trauma. I love hockey, the game, not the goon angle.

[@JPMadden]

@@cosmickid1794The NFL settled a class-action lawsuit concerning concussions for about $1 billion in 2013. The NHL did settle a much smaller lawsuit in 2018 for 146 former players, entitling them to about only $100,000 maximum in cash and medical treatment (if I understand the reporting correctly). The former players alleged negligence in treating head injuries and claimed that the league concealed the long-term risks. In the typical dodge of further legal liability, the NHL said "The NHL does not acknowledge any liability for the Plaintiffs' claims in these cases. However, the parties agree that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution." (Only to lawyers could it make sense that you are paying compensation to someone who was wronged while insisting that you are not to blame.) It sounds like this lawsuit was about how players were treated after receiving concussions, not what caused them. In fact, the NHL still insists that there is not conclusive evidence linking CTE and repeated head trauma. I saw a fascinating interview concerning this with a Dr. Chris Nowinski, a CTE expert and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University. Prior to his medical career, he played football and was a professional wrestler, until concussions forced him to quit. If you're interested, the interview was in November of 2022 on the "Agent Provocateur" (mostly) hockey podcast on the "SDPN" KZbin channel.

[@cosmickid1794]

@@JPMadden I followed the NHL case daily back then, and as usual the players caved too the owners. The NHL walked away without having to admit headshots cause CTE. The good news is fighting is down. I love good open ice hitting, but, the fighting is for losers.

[@JPMadden]

@@british_ian You're welcome

[@CraftAero]

Tim Horton was a bruiser of a defenceman. Not so much a fighter but you never wanna hear his skate thuds behind you.

[@british_ian]

I can imagine!

[@gordieparenteau6555]

Rightly regarded as one of the greatest of all time.

[@charlyW34]

One quick thing...when discussing anything about hockey with a Canadian, avoid adding the word "ICE". You will sound like a rube. "Field Hockey" might be a viable thing in some parts of the world, but 99% of Canadians agree there is only one HOCKEY, and everyone knows it's played on ice. Regarding fights, many take place because the referee refuses to make a penalty call for a cheap shot, subtle though it may be. Taking on a more fearsome opponent is an important way to establish your refusal to be intimidated.

[@creambot]

Great videoo, mate! I'd rank Bob Probert the best enforcer, as he was an absolute brawler on a team full of unbelievable talent. Check out Tie Domi though--psychopath, and a bit of a pest who would goad the skill players into fights so that they could be sent off the ice as a result. In total, the enforcer is a relic, but OG ice hockey die hards still justify fighting as a necessary part of the game.

[@british_ian]

Thank you! Great to know, will check those guys out, cheers!

[@xr4tihonk]

@@british_ian Yes, in the 80s and 90s, Bob Probert was the most feared enforcer in hockey. You should check out "Top Ten NHL Hockey Fights of Bob Probert" to see real old school fighting. His fights were long and he got stronger the longer they went.

[@ksfmiller]

That was Probert vs Domi near the end of the video

[@kicknpost]

@@british_ian Probert even had a rule created because of him, the shirt tie down rule. “A player who engages in a fight and whose jersey is not properly “tied-down” (jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty.”

[@fskuma8820]

Probert was awesome to watch. My favorite thing about him, though, was after the NHL started cracking down on teams having dedicated "goons", he developed his actual skills and continued playing as a regular player. He was a good NHL player, who knew??

[@j.allanenglish6804]

Fighting is absolutely exhausting. You're completely gassed 20 seconds in.

[@british_ian]

I can imagine!

[@christinefougere]

You've had guts to take on big Chara.....lol

[@british_ian]

Lol for sure!

[@gordieparenteau6555]

Check out the 1984 "Good Friday Massacre" if you wanna see a good ol' fashioned hockey brawl.

[@petermontagnon4440]

Goalie fights are the best ones!!!! As a goalie years ago I was in many fights!!! LMAO I still get into a little rough stuff. LMAO

[@british_ian]

Lol I can imagine!

[@tkitchkeesic]

Ayyye excellent video! Keep it up! Loving the content

[@british_ian]

Thank you so much! 🫡

[@professordogwood8985]

Fighting isn't exclusively tolerated in hockey, lacrosse also tolerates fighting.

[@british_ian]

Ah yes good point!

[@habattac]

In the 80s and 90s the battles between Tie Domi and Bob Probert were legendary. It was a known, scheduled fight night with all the anticipation. Also, check out the fight between Brendan Shanahan and Donald Brashear (Rangers/Capitals). Total mismatch but Shanahan, team alternate captain, challenged him after Brashear elbowed Jagr (huge star). When the fight starts he even takes his helmet off first, showing no fear. Brashear sucker punches Aaron Ward after the fight too. A lot of Code material, ha. The crowd was loving Shanny, true leader. Epic. And great channel, mate. Welcome to the sport and community! 🍻

[@learningstuffwithriverrizk4552]

several years back there were a few ex players that died or committed suicide related to on ice fighting. it highlighted the dangers of concussions and it causing depression and such. and this occurred shortly after the crackdown on head shots (over concern of concussions) .there was a sudden huge reduction in fighting over concerns for players health. [btw, no the pest is not the enforcer, and I wish he had shown more crazy Brad Marchant stuff. It was a few years back he got really into face licking to the point he had to be given a good "tongue lashing" over it]

[@christinefougere]

We've seen some spectactular brawls in hockey.

[@british_ian]

👍👍

[@mag4973]

Best of all time, Bob Probert of the Detroit Red Wings! Some would argue otherwise.

[@j.allanenglish6804]

Stephen Peat vs PJ Stock is considered the greatest fight of all time. Jamie Benn vs Joe Thornton is my favourite though. Two captains, take their helmets off first (not permitted anymore), and square up. It's incredible. Also, fun little story about retribution. There was a piece of shit player called Ulf Samuelson. He effectively ended Cam Neely's career with a cheap shot, who was one of the best in the world at the time. Weeks later, in a different game against a different club, Tie Domi (one of Cam's off ice friends) sucker punched Ulf in the face and knocked him out. It was a beautiful moment.

[@quintonpeter5026]

That sucker punch at 4:37 ended Steve Moore’s career. It was a sad day in the hockey community.

[@floatingtrumpet6903]

One of the great things about this game - besides it being a Canadian game now played around the world - is the playoffs. The old saying amongst the players is - the regular season is for the owners but the play offs are for the players, it's a different game. Home ice is advantageous but there are teams that have made serious runs all the way to the Stanley Cup round on guts and grit. Then of course they invoke the Hudson Bay rules and the fun really starts. Its a great game with great stars, check out Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and if your a Boston fan. - The great Bobby Orr. Blood bath? Check out the Canada/Soviet Union Red Army series its a war on and off the ice.

[@RobB-vz2vo]

I played D since '75 and, back then, fighting was a normal fun part of the game. We followed the code and came out the other end of a fight roughed-up but still operational. I used to box off the ice which helped during on-ice fisticuffs because it taught be to keep my head up and eye on the target at the expense of taking a hit to the face. The players that I detested were the ones who couldn't handle being clean checked and wanted to fight because they were embarrassed being knocked on their arse. I play beer league now which is less testy.

[@mitchzurbrigg2403]

Ti domi, the greatest enforcer of all time . He litterally was there just to fight people , barely played any actual hockey lol

[@british_ian]

Lol! Will check him out 💪💪

[@justinfalzon6854]

@@british_ian Not going to be what you expect. He was like rocky Marciano the guy. Like 5'8 on a good day, short arms, thick round head. Just a hard nosed little dude.

[@jfarrell21]

Look up a Matt Martin fight where he CLOCKS a dude and he knows the kids hurt and he waves over the trainers from the opposing team. He didn't wish to crush the kid and wanted to make sure the kid got medical care as soon as possible. A great example of "the code."

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

yeah, that was Kostapolous (or something like that).

[@nebidiaswift5200]

Strongly recommend watching ice guardians doc they really do sacrifice those enforcers

[@british_ian]

Will do, thanks for the suggestion!

[@camcassidy4309]

A big part of why fighting is allowed in hockey is that throwing a genuinely good punch that might really hurt they other guy is super hard, you’re basically just punching from the shoulder only. it’s mostly a balance thing rather than knock the other guy out thing, not to say you can’t also knock them out it’s just hard Also taking the bucket off ur head before a fight is a penalty in the nhl now

[@cosmickid1794]

Wow, one of the dumbest statements I've ever read..........ask Wade Belak about it, oh, wait, you can't, he's dead now.....................

[@jamesrally6516]

GOAT Enforcer is Bob Probert. That dude could play too!!

[@british_ian]

Will check him out! 💪

[@deliriousgeorge2879]

You should definitely react to Rob Ray fights! He’s one of the best examples of an enforcer and had a better right hook than most boxers

[@bensanders1116]

Though "goons" and "enforcers" don't exist, there are definitely still players of great skill that fit that role. Salary cap doesn't allow for the wasted roster spot anymore. I would say though, they forgot the other golden rule. Great fighters will always try to "catch" their opponent by the jersey so that the other person's head doesn't hit the ice. Especially without a helmet.

[@british_ian]

Ah gotcha!

[@wombatwilly1002]

The "code" from age 4 is "keep your head up".If you really want to see how hockey is ingrained in Canada watch "Cold War On Ice".An NBC produced production narrated by Peter Coyote.Although it's an American production and there are many Canadian produced specials it captures it the best Imo!!!!

[@michaelshane7832]

Cam Janssen was always a favorite of mine when he was with the NJ Devils. He was a mad dog out there and was only on the ice to take people down.

[@navh2000]

So much so they can't get fighting out of hockey without turning it into an injury sport. Without fighting the cheep stick shots to the face come out and career ending mid ice hits. What most people don't know is the boards while looking impressive when hit into them actually helps. The game is slowly changing as hockey Canada doesn't allow hitting in younger leagues now. The players then play lacrosse in the summer where they get all the hitting cheep shot training they need to transpose into their hockey game. Check out the fastest game on two feet also.

[@innerpeace5223]

It seems tough to keep your balance but us Canadians start skating in elementary school and it’s like walking for us

[@british_ian]

That’s amazing!

[@framergod69]

and it really helps to be holding the other guys jersey

[@bobmartin7717]

If you noticed it's always one on one. Third man in is automatically kicked out of the game. Normal penalty for fighting is 5 minutes

[@ESUSAMEX]

By the way, the three fights at 7:18 are what is called a line-brawl. It is when the two wingers and the center of each team fight their opposing player. This took place in New York City at the famous Madison Square Garden. The team in blue is the New York Rangers and the other team in white is the New Jersey Devils. I am native New Yorker and I am a die hard NY Rangers fan.

[@208467]

I can't believe I forgot about TIger Dave Williams!

[@rich7447]

Top penalty minutes of all time.

[@MrROTD]

This relates to any gentlemanly fighting, theres a code the goes along with it, when I was in high school you could call out a guy or be called out then you would fight if you or they agreed and the winner would be pulled off the loser if it got too bad and everyone would agree on the results and also agree both men were honerable for setling their differences. Two of my best friends ever were guys I tangled with and then became friends. I got into a fight with a guy , we were both in home room first day of the school next day by chance best friends after that.

[@british_ian]

Lol that’s a fun way to start a friendship!

[@darthollpheist1156]

They didn't mention shooting the puck on net after a whistle. If the play is blown dead, and you still throw the puck on net, expect to fight someone.

[@AnEnemyAnenome]

Ryan Reaves is often called the last enforcer because he almost purely fulfills that role. The game is getting faster and younger where many teams have no "big guy" let alone a dedicated enforcer. Many enforecers fill multiple roles and are expected to be productive on the score sheet or draw fouls/antagonize. Ryan Reaves, on the other hand, is expected to hit hard and hurt anyone who roughs up his skilled players and he is very, very good at his job.

[@garfinkelc11]

One of the less talked about parts of being an enforcer is how important they are in a team dynamic. Enforcers play an almost entirely emotional role that doesn't show up directly in the score line; they influence the momentum of the game so their teams skill players can score. As such, they must be beloved; you'll be a lot more motivated by your best buddy standing up for you than some asshole coworker beating up the opponent just cuz its his job. Enforcers are often the "glue guys" in the locker room that hype up their teammates and keep morale high. They're often big goofs that don't mind drawing laughs at their own expense for the sake of team chemistry. If you're just an asshole that punches people and your own teammates don't like you, you're not long for the league no matter what your fight record is.

[@Evocletian]

Bob Probert. Tie Domi. Stu Grimson -- are fighters worth looking into more :)

[@british_ian]

Will do, cheers!

[@ESUSAMEX]

The player at 5:56 did back down because he squared off but then skated away without throwing punches.

[@mel.anthony8976]

Enforcer 1:Dave 'The Hammer' Schultz... Philadelphia Flyers. Pest: Brad Marchant... Boston Bruins. Stars: Connor McDavid... Edmonton Oilers.

[@boxbuster1000]

I believe this "code" has history from your part of the world as the game of hockey is quite old for professional sports and a lot of the early players had British back grounds and the antiquated code of gentlemen's combat was ingrained in them. If you get a chance and watch the Mic'd videos like others suggest you will see that fighting was a honorable part of the game if you followed the "Code" Much like the British code of Duel fighting with honour...

[@british_ian]

Brilliant stuff, will look into those videos! Thanks!

[@purplemetric22]

Honestly, It's common sense. It's to protect the players. When I played, contact hockey started at a very young age and it's pretty much the coaches job to step in and tell a kid that what he did was not right and if it was legal and was not punished by the ref the coach may bench them for a shift or even a game. Injuring someone or watching someone get injured while you're still a kid is not really fun and a lot of the time it stems from dirty plays that may or may not be legal.

[@travisrozema7034]

You should check best saves in nhl history, amazing how athletic they are

[@british_ian]

Will check it out, thanks!

[@markastoforoff7838]

A smaller player named Tie Domi would often take on guys way bigger and win. He played for the Maple Leafs. Another player also known for fighting and holds the record for PIM is a guy named Tiger WIlliams who also played for the Leafs. Neither played their entire careers with the Leafs but they both spent a significant part of their careers with the Leafs and stand at #1 and #3 on the all time penalty list in the NHL. Both were loved in Toronto.

[@briansmith6791]

This type of rough and tough play is deemed 'Canadian Hockey' and some other countries have adopted this style in order to compete against the Canadian brand of hockey - Ice Hockey is our Official National Winter Sport. Canada is the best hockey nation with more wins than any other country and most superstars, with a few exceptions, are Canadians.

[@dr.madthumbz2689]

Two words : Chris Nilan The greatest enforcer of all-time

[@british_ian]

Will check him out, thanks!

[@toriamansfield2999]

Check out "A Rat Is Not A Goon" by The Hockey Guy.

[@british_ian]

Will do, thanks!

[@wentshow]

There's an unwritten rule that unwritten rules must be brief. Fifteen bullet points is practically a law book.

[@Talancir]

I have another rule for you not mentioned in the video: "Rookies are to be treated like stars. "Rookie players are those who have for one reason or another moved up from the developmental leagues to play in the NHL. These players have been taught to focus solely on their hockey skills, and are usually penalized heavily in the developmental leagues for fighting; so much so that many don't fight at all and are easy to suckerpunch. Veteran players who pick on rookies can expect heavy retaliation, while rookies who behave poorly can expect to receive their prompt introduction to the code."

[@jfarrell21]

Think about the severity and frequency of injury that could/would occur if these folks didn't do their jobs. And look up the fights of Bob Probert. He's a legend.

[@jkoll42]

This must be an old video because they made a rule specifically about not being allowed to remove helmets prior to a fight (just a minor penalty if you do )

[@british_ian]

👍

[@208467]

Check out a movie called "Slapshot" if you want to learb about all the dirty stuff, it's also really funny.

[@christinefougere]

Marty McSorley was the big enforcer.

[@british_ian]

👍

[@framergod69]

Tiger was one back in the day, domi from the laughs, the guy that said "do you want to duke" was on the Habs way back and it was embarrassing to see as he can barely skate

[@donhadfield2835]

Gordie Howe, the greatest 'All-Around' player ever would win a game by scoring goals setting them up or breaking your face. He was renowned for taking a number and getting back to you. Bob Baun cheap shotted Gordie who waited 12 years before he got even and reminded him of it. He was the best player in the prime of his career, instigated a fight with the most feared fighter in the league, Lou Fontinanto and wiped him out breaking his nose.

[@1nONLY_DRock]

And invented the Gordie Howe hat trick. One goal, one assist, one fight.

[@208467]

Marty McSorely, Dave Semenko, Probert, Tie Domi, and many others. Marty and Dave protected Wayne Gretsky.

[@Mtzrlein]

Most excellent!!

[@british_ian]

Lol thank you!

[@williamwitt6212]

The appearance of enforcers in the NHL ebbs and flows with the rate of scoring: the more often goals are scored, the greater the need to protect star players. Currently, the NHL is experiencing a renaissance from the "Dead Puck Era" when scoring was at an all-time low, so enforcers became moot. Now that players are more regularly scoring 30, 40, 50, even 60 goals in a season, we should start seeing enforcers again. Wayne Gretzky, the most prolific scorer in the history of the sport, had an enforcer by his side for the majority of his career. Early on it was Dave Samenko, and later it was Marty McSorley, both legendary rink generals. In fact, when Gretzky was traded to Los Angeles, McSorley went with him as a bodyguard on the ice: everyone knew if you hit Gretzky, McSorley would hunt you down. The fear of McSorley's wrath kept Gretzky untouched, allowing him to score at will. It's a lost art for now, but I think soon we'll see the rise of the enforcer once again.

[@cosmickid1794]

NHL is finally moving away from the knuckdragging, cement head, mutant losers you dream about. The league had to settle a lawsuit with the players and thankfully will not go down that road again. Fighting has no place in sport

[@JesusFriedChrist]

Hockey perfectly encapsulates what it is to be Canadian. We’ll kick your ass when it comes down to it, but we do everything, including fighting, politely, all whilst in subzero temperatures. Can’t get more Canuck than that eh?

[@justinfalzon6854]

The best at it was probably Probert. Stu Grimson, Darren McCarthy, Tie Domi, Georges LeRoc, Ryan Reaves now (the last true enforcer it seems), there's a few others worth mentioning.

[@rich7447]

Clark Gilles, Dave Semenko, Knuckles Nilan, Terry O'Reilly, Dave Schultz (the hammer), Chris Simon, Dale Hunter, Basil McCrae. There have been some tough guys over the years. Tiger Williams wasn't the biggest guy, but still ended up with almost 4,000 career penalty minutes (#1 overall).

[@Lazzmodai]

Some rules changes have occurred since this video was made. It is now an automatic extra penalty to remove your own helmet for a fight. Also, hockey jerseys have what's called a fight strap at the back bottom that does up to prevent it from being pulled up over your head ("Jerseying"). It's a serious violation to get into a fight without having your fight strap done up, and can result in ejection from the game. As others have commented, enforcers are a dying breed sadly in today's game.

[@british_ian]

Interesting! Good to know, thanks!

[@cosmickid1794]

Sadly?? Who needs knuckle dragging mutants? There are ways to intimidate without the use of fighting.

[@Lazzmodai]

@@cosmickid1794 Do you even watch the game? Have you been watching since the first lockout? The horrific reffing situation and the prevalence of hockey's superstars getting injured and beaten up is insanity. It's not good for the sport or the league. Enforcers fulfilled a vital role in policing the game and protecting the elite athletes.

[@cosmickid1794]

@@Lazzmodai such Bullshit! Fighting drives skilled players away from the game. It's not your head being pounded night after night now, is it?? why not ask the families of Wade Belak or Derek Boogaard about being an enforcer. Oh, wait, you can't since they are dead along with other enforcers from CTE trauma. If you can't appreciate or love hockey for the skill, stop watching and go watch nascar for the crashes, I'm sure you love that

[@Lazzmodai]

@@cosmickid1794 That's the softest take I've ever heard. You're 2-ply bud. Without enforces, skill players are regularly targeted with dangerous injurious play. If no one has to answer for their cheap nonsense, then more and more cheap nonsense will be done. It might be different if the refs actually gave a shit or had any consistency whatsoever, but obviously they can't be relied on to police the game.

[@RoyalMela]

6:10 It was not #51 who backed down. He is one of the all time meanest fighter there is. Jon "Nasty" Mirasty. No-one truly wanted to fight him and in this case it was his opponent who backed down and left.

[@rich7447]

Anyone coming out of the LNAH is a mental case.

[@puregrymra6359]

Talking of enforcers, there aren't really any left in the NHL today, but Ryan Reaves is a MENACE on the ice. He lays out hits like it's no-one's business. I don't think I've ever seen him lose a fight either. You should check some of his highlights out.

[@british_ian]

Awesome, will check him out, thanks!

[@pyromv07]

Reaves and MacDermid dropped the gloves last season and MacDermid cleaned his clock pretty good.

[@puregrymra6359]

@@pyromv07 Then my statement still holds true, cause I had not seen that one XD

[@pyromv07]

@@puregrymra6359 Fair enough haha. It was a pretty good tilt if you still havent seen it.

[@PeterParker-ot8pl]

Lacrosse also allows fighting!

[@british_ian]

Ah yea good point!

[@RoyalMela]

Specially in Finland, where hockey is #1 sport, the leagues tried to ban fighting all together, by handing out massive suspensions to players who dropped the gloves. But that did lead to unwanted results. Although fights are rare here, they still exist. Game saw more of dirty hits, slashing and other acts of violence. Those where one players does the violence and other is on the receiving end of it. Fighting is always against two individuals unlike a dirty hit where it is one dimensional act against unwilling opponent.

[@1nONLY_DRock]

All the fight bans have done is let more players get away with bad behavior such as suckerpunching, bodychecking when they're not looking, hooking, etc. Dirty tricks become the norm.

[@billyailshire2501]

The code is more what you call "guidelines" than an actual rules. Also the code is different now modern day, however there are a couple of things that also need to be there. You do not take any liberties with the other team's goalie (with your stick puck or body). This can range from a late swipe at a covered puck, or checking the goalie for any reason. Do this and someone is going to catch a beating. Another even more offensive transgression that will have the entire team trying to hospitalize you is scoring a goal after play has been stopped and you take a shot at an empty net anyway. I really have never understood this one, but WOW it really angers EVERYONE.

[@nebidiaswift5200]

Pests can be enforcers IMO tucker was prime example

[@british_ian]

I figured that might happen but good to know!

[@1nONLY_DRock]

If you want to get more of a sense of what an old school enforcer is like, watch the movies 'Goon' and 'Goon 2, Last of the Enforcers'. You'll laugh your ass off and get a look into hockey culture.

[@andrewrobinson1634]

You can really see why painkiller abuse is so rampant in pro and even semi pro hockey.

[@THESANDMAN9]

NO PLAY = NO PAY, TAKE THE SHOT / PILL + PLAY , OR WATCH FROM THE STANDS.

[@nihirzazior]

if you want a really good brawl have a look at "fight night at the joe" Detroit red wings vs Colorado avalanche, that rivalry is one of the best of the 90s

[@Chase57Tx]

Now days you have to be careful not to get an "instigator" penalty in addition to the 5 for fighting.

[@ontarioguyincalgary4845]

Good reaction

[@troubleondemand7703]

There is actually a really funny movie about hockey enforcers called Goon. Definitely worth a watch.

[@british_ian]

Oh right! Will take a look!

[@framergod69]

I see your goon and raise you slap shot

[@sausagehappymealx9931]

bob probert, derek boogaard or john scott are 3 of the scariest guys to ever play the game 💀

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

Look up the brawl between the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado 1997

[@british_ian]

Will do!

[@markastoforoff7838]

In 1979 there was a famous incident in which the Boston Bruins players actually went into the stands and started fighting NY Rangers fans. I'll leave a link to a video of it but it isn't the greatest quality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2qyfKeIobannKs

[@timkeenan7419]

Enforcers are a dying breed. I was always the biggest guy on my team.the code simply not to intentionally hurt the other player, when he goes down the fight is over

[@spaceshiplewis]

The only people who can't really talk about the code are the league chairpeople and boards and public representatives or else outside regulations would ruin this key aspect of the game. Owners and coaches can't acknowledge any fighting rules or lack thereof so it stays a wild west of self governing. Players can talk about it to other players and even fans but usually to skirt around the question to reporters and regulators.

[@british_ian]

Gotcha, good to know, cheers!

[@angryrabbit980]

You gotta check out some bench brawls

[@spawntarget1587]

"These men and woman have given up being stars themselves" Never seen a fight in woman`s hockey, but I would not change the channel if I did.

[@matthewsecord7641]

Ian, it's extremely polite mate, but hockey is a Canadian sport.

[@british_ian]

Noted! 🇨🇦

[@ElSneado]

Do goalie fights next

[@british_ian]

Will look into it for sure! 💪

[@seankenaan]

@@british_ian If you do goalie fights make sure to get Brent Johnson vs. Rick DiPietro from 2011. Basically a 1 punch TKO. The Code forgot to mention that you don't fight goalies because they usually have the fastest hands in the team due to the nature of their job.

[@ESUSAMEX]

Another thing is real brothers sometimes fight each other. On the ice, your brother is just another player. If you need to drop the gloves (fight) with him, you do it.

[@Timmycoo]

Lmao it's funny because I was gonna suggest you watch "the code" but I figured someone else would already. AND I was right. You should totally watch lightheaded moments in the NHL.

[@british_ian]

Yes, it got mentioned a few times, ha! Oh nice, will check that out, thanks!

[@Timmycoo]

@@british_ian lmao I meant light hearted :P !!

[@709mash]

Players are no longer allowed to intentionally remove their helmets in a fight.

[@british_ian]

Roger that! 👍

[@jcarlovitch]

The problem with fighting Sidney Crosby is the criticism you will take for hitting a woman.

[@matthewsecord7641]

Georges L best enforcer I have ever seen. No one wants to fight him even when they had to. Unfortunately he was underused because he was an excellent player.

[@Grimpurple_minion99]

You should check out how big goaltenders in hockey actually are some of these guys are big. Mike smith is one!!!

[@TheCanadiangirl4]

Not sure if this is one of the unwritten rules but if a player is about to fall to the ice after a fight the other player seems to hold him up so he doesn't crash to the ice. It's funny these are unwritten rules but many people knew these rules growing up watching hockey. Out of curiosity, are there unwritten rules in football (soccer)?

[@mcmitch1912]

You should totally check out a game from whatever team is closest to ya.

[@TheJonasbz]

You should absolutly watch the swedish superstar Peter Forsberg, to bad he did had to quit

[@british_ian]

Will do, thanks for the suggestion!

[@xpCarlo36]

Here's a chance to fan the Flames...🔥 Check out Iggy -- Jarome Iginla, #12: Calgary Flames Captain for many years. This guys was a goal scorer, and undoubtedly one of the toughest SOBs in the NHL, he was a star who had a build like an enforcer, and just hammered when he fought. Dude won some scoring titles in his hey day, and just slung goals.!

[@edwardbrousseau9406]

I am a Bruins fan and I love how the only "pest" shown was Marchand When I used to play I had that kind of pest mentality to myself always trying to throw you off your game a little I try to be a tad cleaner limiting on the slew footing and licking but he is definitely someone I tried to emulate on the ice As a little bit of a bulkier bruiser as well

[@scottlaughlin9897]

Ikr! I was laughing my ass off when they focused on Brad Marchand during that segment! 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCanadiangirl4]

Montreal fan here and I too found it funny and very fitting.

[@justinfalzon6854]

Im an enforcer/Stay at home Defenseman.

[@british_ian]

👍👍

[@planojag595]

If you ask me the best enforcer of all time was Bob Probert. RIP Probie

[@qaqusee]

The Unwritten Rules of Baseball - EXPLAINED! 👊 (Fighting, Drilling, Brawling, Retaliation & more) by Ninh Ly