Enforcer (hockey)

Rather than an official position, an enforcer is a role in ice hockey. An enforcer is usually the toughest player on the team, who is expected to intimidate and/or attack the opposition by his presence on the ice.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

At the NHL level, each team usually hires a main enforcer. Although the players who apply for this role in the present era are expected to have other hockey talents, at times in the past, some NHL enforcers were one-dimensional.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some players have evolved from the enforcer role by working on the other aspects of their game; Scott Stevens and Lyle Odelein are examples of players that combine intimidation with good fundamental defensive skills, while Matthew Barnaby is an example of an enforcer who shows an occasional scoring touch. As well, some legendary scorers were also renowned tough men and were effectively their own enforcer, such as Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard.

Related Topics:
Scott Stevens - Lyle Odelein - Matthew Barnaby - Gordie Howe - Maurice Richard

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An enforcer's presence usually acts as a deterrent against dirty play by the opposition; if a teammate is a victim of a dirty play or an attempt to injure, the enforcer is expected to respond in kind.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Enforcers are often the most beloved players on their team - both by their fans and fellow players, as they are percieved as willing to defend their teammates and "take one for the team".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The stereotypical enforcer is rather un-attractive physically, with the following features:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Nose that has been broken numerous times.
• Missing teeth.
• Large number of scars.
• Fingers and knuckles that are misaligned.
 
Enforcer (hockey): Notable NHL Enforcers ►