The one part of hockey that lured me in was just how much fun it was to watch the enforcers. I think the one person I can say without a doubt hooked me on the idea of the enforcer was Stu Grimson aka “The Grim Reaper”. With a nickname like that how can he not hook you in? That first year he was in Chicago, I just remember the terror he was on the ice. Yeah he couldn’t score or even make an assist, but the guy could absolutely level anyone who messed with his guy.
At that time, his first few years in the league he was this tall lanky guy with no balance, he was 6’6″ tough to have balance on skates at that height. He was solid, but when he got to the Ducks he finally gained some balance and became the fighting guru that people remember him for. Of course his best fights were versus Bob Probert, probably his biggest rivalry in his career.
Towards the end of his career in his days with the Whalers and later the Hurricanes, the guy became a fighting savant, knocking out some of the best enforcers in the league. Guys like Krzysztof Oliwa and Randy McKay of my Devils. I so looked forward to when those teams played so that I could watch the hate grow and grow until the gloves came flying off and the fist were like blurs. Below are some of his best fights:
Nowadays he is a born again christian and led the NHL Christian Fellowship, he also went back to school and got his law degree, which is what he currently does for a living. Yes the Grim Reaper is a lawyer, he even almost sued Don Cherry for slanderous remarks. Of course the best side of Grimson was in commercial spot for The Foundation For A Better Life. It begins with on-ice game action leading up to an intermission. While in the locker room with the team, Grimson receives a phone call. It is revealed that the caller is Grimson’s young daughter, who asks him to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider. He reluctantly complies, much to the amusement of his teammates. Grimson replies “Hey, it’s my girl! You know, my daughter?”
Most of his autographs can be found on eBay for between $5-10, although I have heard that he does sign cards sent to him. He seems like he is a very decent and kind guy. It’s just funny thinking that the same guy who unloaded all those glorious haymakers turned into probably one of the nicest guys in NHL history. I guess hockey can be funny that way!
What did you think of The Grim Reaper?
Stop with this hockey crap. Hockey isnt that big of a sport and i bet 75% + of your readers dont want to keep hearing about the sport
My favorite reader, thanks for the advice! You’re wrong, since I ALWAYS get more traffic when I post hockey items. But thanks as always.
I come on your blog a decent amount, im not too sure why but i do. And its annoying when i constantly see your custom cards or some hockey crap..