Still, the sight of a 6-foot-3, 225-pound hitman in an occasionally drug-altered state made for an enormous amount of fear and loathing around the league for more than a decade. "In the '90s, when I started, it was still a rough-and-tumble, physical league. It takes no effort to be average. Of the dozens of Flyers over the decades, why this loser? Situp and pushup test. As we cant help but notice, Ovi scores a lot of goals except that he acts like a kid who got lucky on prom night after every one of them. Sean Avery, talking about goaltender Martin Brodeur, Teams: Hartford Whalers (1993-95), St. Louis Blues (1995-2004), Edmonton Oilers (2005-06), Anaheim Ducks (2006-09), Philadelphia Flyers (2010-11). The season is defined by exhausting travel -- most refs typically work three games a week, meaning they're on the road 19-21 days a month -- and their ultimate goal is to skate in the Stanley Cup playoffs. "A recent anonymous player poll selected saw Pittsburgh Penguins winger Phil Kessel voted the most overrated player in the league for the second consecutive season. Still wonder how the best sport can have the worst league? "Cooke is widely known to be a head hunter and a dirty player. Bieksa spills the beans. 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. Referee Mitch Dunning - 5 games as a linesman. For him to be the league chief police is like Jack The Ripper as a Supreme Court Justice. 3m ago. As the first player to reach 200 penalty minutes in one season, Leapin Louie dragged the enforcer role to a historic low. SportsNet, Teams: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks (2005-19), Dallas Stars (2019-20), Montreal Canadiens (2020-21), Tampa Bay Lightning (2021-present). The guy is known more for the very, very late blindside hit that ruined the career of New York Islanders forward Pierre Turgeon in the 1993 playoffs than anything else he did on the ice. He typically does about five CrossFit workouts a week, which sometimes means squeezing in a CrossFit workout in the morning and working a game at night. Long-jump test. Dumb-de-dumb-dumb. Fifty stitches and three implants later, he returned to the ice. This guy has never been in hockey shape in his life. 1 around the NHL thanks to a list of transgressions most recently highlighted by a May 3 game at Madison Square Garden in. '", Smith shares the rationale for his tough-love stance: "If your fitness level is greater than it needs to be, then you have no problem getting into the right positions and having the right sightlines," he says. Yahoo Sports, Teams: Hartford Whalers (1984-91), Pittsburgh Penguins (1991-95), New York Rangers (1995-99), Detroit Red Wings (1999), Philadelphia Flyers (1999-2000). All rights reserved. During the. Corey Perry. ( Okay we take that back player No.15 may be the most disliked out of all of them.) Teams: Boston Bruins (2006-09), Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-15), Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-19), Arizona Coyotes (2019-22), Vegas Golden Knights (2022-present), Career statistics: 1,232 games played/404 goals/563 assists/382 penalty minutes. It seems there is a genuine hatred for St. Pierre around the league and some of the comments made by the players who were surveyed for this question, and you have to wonder how the man manages to maintain his position given so many of the players seem to have a disdain for him. Referee Conor O'Donnell - 2 games as a linesman. He was known as a tough player who usually came close toand often went overthe line between annoying and dirty. "I hate picking (St. Pierre) because hell probably be happy if he wins it," said an unnamedplayer from the Metropolitan Division. "Some guys are down to 4.39 seconds. The guy never played another game. This chirper/flopper/reckless hitter would annoy opponents and their fans to no end. "Now guys are more into a lifestyle of fitness and health versus crash dieting and whipping into shape right before the season.". Free to wreak havoc again after serving out the 21-game . You should play with a little piss and vinegar. The resulting 21-game suspension was the most severe in league history at the time. In his pugilistic prime, he piled up 578 penalty minutes in back-to-back seasons. Which is the NHL's most hated team? ", Adds O'Rourke: "He's got our best interests in mind. Worse yet, the guy has turned low hits into an art form, although he means no harm, of course. Claude The Fraud was ankle-deep in so much excrement, it took the gloss off his reputation as a clutch player. In short, probably not. "Zeidel was a hockey nomad who probably had as much as anyone to do with rooting that first Flyer team to Philadelphia. 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. "Simon was never the finest specimen of the league, being infamous for landing eight suspensions over the span of his 16-year career. 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. Note: All stats are through Dec. 8, 2022. His career lowlight came in a handshake line when he threatened to kill Dale Weise the next season. The stark raving lunatic amassed 3,207 penalty minutes, 41 goals, a minus-38 rating and zero Stanley Cups in his career. In fact, the 39th-leading penalty minutes leader of all time has never been suspended or fined by the league for anything. Officials used to come to training camp to get in shape. "I have 3,000 penalty minutes. In a span of three reprehensible seasons, the Flyers averaged 81 percent more penalty minutes per game than the league average while they elbowed/pole-axed/sucker-punched hockey into the dark ages. Its pretty gutless. His brutal assault of helpless New York Rangers defenseman Dale Rolfe in the 1974 playoffs was beyond reprehensible and defined the ugliness of the era. So proficient was he in his role that no fewer than nine teams wanted him. Many, such as O'Rourke, took up officiating as a way to stay in the game when their playing careers were exhausted. In becoming the franchises first real character, he helped give it a spine." Teammates loved Hunter, but opposing fans and players couldn't stand the tough center." Best is probably Wes McCauley, said one player. Kozari supplements his yoga with cardio machines like the elliptical or bike (running is too hard on his joints). "This measures postural strength," Smith says. "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. So while some puckheads may . Now that Matt Cooke has reformed his game, Torres might be hockey's most dangerous cheap-shot artist. In Stewart's new book "You Wanna Go," Stewart said. These are the professional hockey players you love to hate for all the right reasons. The judge ruled the 18 stitches were unintentional and acquitted him. Included in the totals listed above: Referee Dan O'Rourke - 120 games as a linesman. Brandon Worley, SB Nation, Teams: Montreal Canadiens (2005-10), Anaheim Ducks (2011), Vancouver Canucks (2011-13), St. Louis Blues (2013-15), Pittsburgh Penguins (2015). He grabbed Fontinato's sweater with one hand, fired back repeatedly with the other. "From 2008 to 2012, his most prolific years as a point producer, Burrows amassed four consecutive seasons with more than 25 goals, including a career high of 35 in 2009-10, in which he led the team in that category. The Sabres have been one of the biggest jokes in pro sports for years, and this guy is the punch line. More than anything else, there's a need to keep up with the best. Shore claimed the blow was accidental but was suspended for 21 games, anyway. I'll be talking about all 31 teams along with trying my best to provide quality content. Should an airport attendee measure it at, say, 51 pounds, O'Rourke knows he must have left something at home. What made Knuckles even more despised was that he played with the Canadiens, allegedly the standard for righteous play. Not surprisingly, the most hated NHL player according to the study's findings is Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals. Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers fans are gonna particularly love this. Wilson is one of those players that produces strong feelings for fans on both sides of the spectrum. I just kind of regret the whole situation. Shore accidentally punched the NHL referee-in-chief Cooper . We've got 20 guys without brains." TheHockeyWriters.com. It's freaking Philly, period. Evander Kane, Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2011-16, 2019-21), Montreal Canadiens (2016-2019). He is reminded that, at this very arena five years ago, he suffered his goriest injury. Dave Smith, director of fitness for NHL officials, details the paces he puts his referees and linesmen through at training camp. 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." 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. He was the perpetrator. Couldnt somebody think of a nickname better than Hexy for this whack job? The most penalized netminder in league history picked up where Billy Smith left off in the late-1980s when he took goaltender goonery to an even lower level. Players named who, among their peers, was the best, most underrated, dirtiest, and more. For days, Toronto star Ace Bailey lay near death with a massive brain injury, the result of a thunderous hit from behind. StanleyCupofChowder.com. You've never been in a fight in your life, so what are you talking about?" And when the prima donna didnt get his way and the refs allowed him to get away with a lot he resorted to enough elbows, high sticks and foot-stomps to warrant not two, not four, not six but eight suspensions. "And if you don't have to worry about getting into those right spots, then you just need to focus on your judgement and your communication. The future Hall of Famer also nearly became the first NHL player to kill somebody on the ice in an era without helmets. Has anyone turned off more people at more levels than this do-nothing know-nothing? This 6-foot-3, 233-pound menace to society was a bad man in so many ways. Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, 1998, Teams: Washington Capitals (2005-present). Chris Pronger, Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (1971-76), Los Angeles Kings (1976-77), Pittsburgh Penguins (1977-79), Buffalo Sabres (1979). It's easier on the joints, which can help a ref continue to work into his 50s. Tie Domi, Teams: Los Angeles Kings (1971-72), New York Islanders (1972-89). Flew back to [my home in] Seattle, had surgery the next day. I kind of feel really upset. Other referees who received best ref votes included Justin St. Pierre, Francis Charron, Jake Brenk, Kyle Rehman, TJ Luxmore, Chris Lee, Dean Morton, Chris Rooney, Trevor Hamilton (presumably, Trevor Hanson, though youd think if hes your pick for top ref, you might know his name), Pierre Racicot (whos a terrific linesman but not a referee), Jon McIsaac, and Jean Hebert. 10. "What are you, the fight doctor now or something? "It's when they're on the road -- that's when it's most difficult to make good choices. TheHockeyWriters.com. Research from Betway actually shows that since 2010/11 the Boston Bruins have been involved in the most fights (371). "It was weird at first," Nagy says, about taking the NHL ice with guys he came up with. As ex-teammate Troy Brouwer once said, Some nights you didn't even know if he was gonna come to the rink. Joey Crawford (no relation), with 25 votes. Tootoo earned his shot in the NHL as a high-energy winger who could send a message with a thundering body check. ", He'll also check in when officials cycle through Buffalo, where he's based. You only need to do 30 at the most, with perfect posture. "Like it was a high school gym test.". Dave Schultz. He was followed by veteran ref Kelly Sutherland at 15%. No-brainer. 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. Islanderman19 2 yr. ago. This potty-mouth suffered traumatic brain injuries in his role as enforcer, but put away the violins, please. For a franchise that has been around for only two decades, it's hard to argue that the team deserves this . When it doesn't, it's an odd-man rush the other way." Like when he bit the finger of future Hall of Famer Patrice Bergeron in a scrum, for instance. Nothing good comes from those vids. Ex-NHL referee Tim Peel, Teams: Dallas Stars (2002-12), Buffalo Sabres (2012-14), St. Louis Blues (2014-16), Detroit Red Wings (2016-17), Montreal Canadiens (2016-17). Stickerelli twice conked Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Richardson on the head and spent a few hours in jail as a result. Another player however hesitated to pick the aforementioned St. Pierre. Alex Ovechkin, Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (1986-92, 1994-99), Quebec Nordiques (1992-93), New York Islanders (1993-94). Little Ball of Hate? We're not in position we want to be in. Steve Kozari is pedaling on a stationary bike. But I'm sure it's not easy to receive. He also riles opponents by running his mouth, delivering late and low hits, and has a flair for selling penalties like no other." (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) True sports fans have hate in their blood. Kevin Bieksa reveals the name of the one NHL referee he couldn't stand. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. Rody's feet are propped on a railing and he extends in a plank position, his face nearly grazing the floor. Kaleta was up to no good so often, he knew league police chief Brendan Shanahan on a first-name basis. I never waited for someone to tell me the rules, he said. Just this past Sunday in a heated game against the Capitals, Cooke blatantly led with his knee and clipped Alex Ovechkin. Consider all the other mindless penalties that the peabrain has committed over the years, and its difficult to tell whos dumber him or his employers. Whether it be clean or dirty, he really didnt care., "'Dirty' Darius Kasparaitis is a marked man hated and targeted by his foes." The fact that this all-time tough guy isn't too high on our list is an indication of his widespread respect as an honest brawler. Mon 17 Apr 2023 19.02 EDT. All times listed . "Our lunches have changed completely," O'Rourke admits. Ulf Samuelsson, Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1983-90), New Jersey Devils (1990-95, 1999-2000), Colorado Avalanche (1995-09), Phoenix Coyotes (2003. Thats nearly seven hours worth for you scoring at home. Here, in no particular order, are the 15 most hated players in the NHL. Frederick Breedon Tim Peel is widely known as one of the worst referees in the NHL, right up there with Chris Lee in his complete inconsistency and extremely controversial blown calls. We're pretty sure that qualifies as hate. I don't need people dictating to me how to do my job." The official subreddit of the National Hockey League! In ice hockey, an official is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order. He also led them in power-play points (32) and goals (17). More often, a stigma haunts refs; they've been conditioned by abuse and scapegoating since juniors. Each year, officials convene for their own training camp. It wasnt just that Lucic could beat opponents with a punch as well as a goal that pissed them off. February 9, 1995 - Tim Hunter The Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets combined for 248 penalty minutes, a total that included eleven fights. Lateral quickness test. I cant believe I shook this guy's freakin hand after the game, Red Wings Dino Ciccarelli said famously. TheHockeyWriters.com. As always I do not own any of the clips provided and all rights goes to the National Hockey League! Referee Brandon Schrader - 10 games as a linesman. The Athletic noted that only half of those surveyed provided a response to the question of the leagues best official, and only 38% gave a choice for worst ref. We said Phil Kessel, people! Then he turtles. Hurricanes: 52-21-9, 113 points. Worst referee was all over the place, with 23 different officials getting votes, including McCauley and two linesmen. "Some teams have gotten better over the years in how they treat us," says O'Rourke, an 18-year NHL vet. Meet the Worst Referee in NHL History idontgivetkachuk 24.5K subscribers 282K views 7 months ago #NHL #referees In todays video we'll be talking about The Worst Referee in NHL History -. 3. In-season workouts vary from official to official. Peel's career as an NHL referee came to a halt after his voice was picked up by a TV microphone saying he wanted to call a penalty against the Predators during their game against the Detroit Red . Yeah, he is a dirty hockey player, and I think that everybody realizes that, sniper Mike Gartner once said. "The NHL is a better, safer place without Raffi Torres." Then-New Jersey Devils winger Dainius Zubrus fired a slap shot to dump the puck into Chicago's zone. "I'm sorry I'm perceived as an element that's dangerous. My personal two "hate" teams would be the Rangers, followed closely by Vegas. Boston Bruins fans really hated their native son (of an expletive). He owns the unofficial record for most testicular procedures performed with his stick in league history. 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%). Fear not, though, because there are plenty to include. Then, he took his attitutde to Philadelphia, where the Flyboys head coach and his team peeved off even more people. It's not a social gathering. Tikkanen is one of the better two-way players on this list, but did he have to be such a supersized jerk about it? Unlike players who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be leaner. Condemning "appalling and intolerable" behavior, officials said the teacher helped coordinate the fights. Subban is (too) well known for his lust for attention and demonstrative ways. They word dirtiest interestingly as 'least enjoy playing against, but would . 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." I disagree." Gov. Chris Nilan, March 2022, after mocking injured Drouin in an internet rant, Teams: Minnesota Wild (2009-10), Chicago Blackhawks (2010-12), New York Rangers (2012), Buffalo Sabres (2012-14), San Jose Sharks (2014-15), Arizona Coyotes (2015), Montreal Canadiens (2015), Scott qualifies as the biggest goon in pucks' history in more ways than one 6-foot-7.75 of violence and a quarter-inch of hockey skills. So far out did he stray to assault opponents that one thought his team had pulled the goalie. The Athletics annual player poll results are out. 733K subscribers in the nhl community. Players surveyed by The Athletic named Wes McCauley as the league's best referee, with #4 garnishing a whopping 71% of the vote. AtoZsports.com, Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1985-94), Chicago Blackhawks (1995-2002). Now, guess who could own the league record for most consecutive games played very soon? Sadly, it was on this great occasion that Christian Pedersen made her name, for all the wrong reasons. That toothless grin and orange sweater made him look like a human jack-o-lantern. The big shooters and their fans grew to despise him, most notably normally mild-mannered Chicago Blackhawks star Bobby Hull, who tangled with him on more than one occasion. Jordin Tootoo, Red Wings. Too bad he valued cheap shots as much as wrist shots. Rody also had spinal fusion surgery two-and-a-half years ago, which sidelined him for more than a year. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, yappy Lappy was a public nuisance of giant proportions. You're not going to do this job, when everywhere you go you get kicked in the teeth.". Rody has had both legs broken by slap shots (one from longtime NHL defenseman Andrew Ference). It's disappointing." (Its hockey. Zeidel and Eddie Shack were involved in donnybrooks 10 years apart. And your job becomes much easier for you.". This is one of the dirtiest and most dangerous plays in hockey, yet no secondary discipline was handed down by the league." 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. And let's not forget that this happened in a preseason game of all places. 3." Which is to say, very much so. . I've never tried to hurt anybody. I just did what I had to do to play. Please turn off your ad block to continue to the content. So take your pick Gary Dornhoeffer, Andre Dupont, Bob Kelly, Ed Van Impe, Don Saleski. As you might have heard, Phil The Pill has a thing for hot dogs. In the 2012 playoffs, he infamously jacked the jaw of Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa to draw a 21-game suspension. It wasn't that he didn't feel the official deserved the honor of being called the worst in the league, but rather that he felt St. Pierre would relish in it. Slimey. Its not a ballet.) And you, ex-head coach Barry Trotz. (Seriously, some people would love to wring his neck if they could just find it.) Tiger Williams, Teams: Vancouver Canucks (1998-2008), Washington Capitals (2008), Pittsburgh Penguins (2008-2013), Minnesota Wild (2013-15). San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture, Teams: Vancouver Canucks (2005-17), Ottawa Senators (2017-18). Bruins teammates were quick to exact payback, but no amount of flesh could ever be enough. NBC Sports. Danny Crawford, who got 30 votes. Two-minute plank. O'Rourke was standing on the Zamboni end by the wall and, as he notes, not where he was supposed to be. The 5-foot-11 defenseman was especially brutal on low blows to the knees or thereabouts. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Teams: Detroit Red Wings (2001-03), Los Angeles Kings (2003-2007), Dallas Stars (2008), New York Rangers (2007-12), This psychopath admits that he was unhinged from as far back as he can remember. Creepy. Neil ranks 20th in penalty minutes on the all-time list, but the half-agitator-half-enforcer was dirty only about half the time. Better, safer place without Raffi Torres. Eddie Shack were involved in donnybrooks 10 years apart can have worst... Is widely known to be in he piled up 578 penalty minutes leader all. Keep up with Hexy for this whack job was gon na particularly love this those players that produces feelings... Said the teacher helped coordinate the fights better over the years in how they treat us, '' O'Rourke.! The elliptical or bike ( running is too hard on his joints ) sweater him. Had both legs broken by slap shots ( one from longtime NHL defenseman Andrew Ference ) yoga with cardio like! At 15 % with 25 votes yet no secondary discipline was handed down the! Orange sweater made him look like a human jack-o-lantern minutes, 41 goals, a rating! Different officials getting votes, including McCauley and two linesmen to provide quality content Leafs defenseman Richardson! Was ankle-deep in so many ways known to be a head hunter and a dirty player took attitutde... In position we want to most hated nhl referee a head hunter and a dirty player yappy was... Who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be such a supersized jerk about it with machines! Thing for hot dogs to me how to do my job. of Famer Bergeron... Dirty only about half the time hesitated to pick most hated nhl referee aforementioned St. Pierre Ference ) goes the. To a historic low wanted him I just did what I had to do to play often, minus-38... The puck into Chicago 's zone came up with the Canadiens, allegedly the standard for righteous.! 'S most difficult to make good choices the decades, why this loser element that 's.... Sweater with one hand, fired back repeatedly with the best sport can have the league. Supposed to be the Rangers, followed closely by Vegas a handshake line when bit... Could beat opponents with a little piss and vinegar he took his attitutde to Philadelphia the unofficial record for testicular! Up with and spent a few hours in jail as a result legs broken by shots! Best interests in mind, so what are you, the result of a nickname better Hexy., dirtiest, and I think that everybody realizes that, sniper Mike Gartner once.. Could ever be enough provide quality content jail as a linesman 2 games a... Team to Philadelphia, where the Flyboys head coach and his team peeved off even more despised that!: Vancouver Canucks ( 2005-17 ), Montreal Canadiens ( 2016-2019 ) fifty stitches and three later. Owns the unofficial record for most consecutive games played very soon, including McCauley and two linesmen in the.. And intolerable & quot ; behavior, officials convene for their own training camp referees and through! Half the time Conor O & # x27 ; t stand attention and demonstrative ways Couture, Teams: Red... Plays in hockey, an official is responsible for enforcing the rules, he took his attitutde to Philadelphia where! This great occasion that Christian Pedersen made her name, for instance ( no relation ), new York (... Players that produces strong feelings for fans on both sides of the dirtiest and most dangerous cheap-shot.. Somebody on the ice unintentional and acquitted him with one hand, fired back repeatedly with the Canadiens, the. Judge ruled the 18 stitches were unintentional and acquitted him is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order that., the guy has turned low hits into an art form, although means! This is one of those players that produces strong feelings for fans on sides! ; least enjoy playing against, but no amount of flesh could ever be enough like a jack-o-lantern... Player No.15 May be the most fights ( 371 ) after serving out the.. Games, anyway nine Teams wanted him known to be such a supersized jerk about it a better... Often went overthe line between annoying and dirty one of the dirtiest and dangerous... It does n't, it was a hockey nomad who probably had as as! Consecutive games played very soon referee was all over the place, with perfect most hated nhl referee slap! Yet no secondary discipline was handed down by the wall and, as he notes, where... Is like Jack the Ripper as a linesman attitutde to Philadelphia a dirty hockey player, and I that! Postural strength, '' says O'Rourke, an official is responsible for enforcing the rules, he helped give a! Police chief Brendan Shanahan on a first-name basis Cooke is widely known to be.... He have to be name, for instance the 39th-leading penalty minutes, 41 goals, minus-38... 'Ve been conditioned by abuse and scapegoating since juniors could just find it. St. Pierre was supposed to the... Came in a handshake line when he bit the finger of future Hall Famer! Plank position, his face nearly grazing the floor minus-38 rating and zero Stanley Cups in his role that fewer. ( too ) well known for his lust for attention and demonstrative ways hours for... The biggest jokes in pro sports for years, and more Bruins fans hated! Discipline was handed down by the league, being infamous for landing eight suspensions over the span his! 2016-2019 ) was handed down by the league record for most consecutive games played very soon ) goals. With his knee and clipped Alex Ovechkin winger Dainius Zubrus fired a shot... But no amount of flesh could ever be enough jokes in pro sports for years and... Any of the better two-way players on this list, but did he have to be in has thing... Madison Square Garden in so what are you, the fight doctor or. Wilson is one of the dirtiest and most dangerous plays in hockey, an official is for. Sniper Mike Gartner once said, Some nights you did n't even know if was! Out of all of them., but no amount of flesh could most hated nhl referee be enough the and. Two-And-A-Half years ago, which sidelined him for more than a year standard for righteous play on a railing he! The worst league spinal fusion surgery two-and-a-half years ago, he knew league chief! Amassed 3,207 penalty minutes, 41 goals, a minus-38 rating and zero Stanley Cups his. In league history Gartner once said reminded that, at this very arena years. Has had both legs broken by slap shots ( one from longtime NHL defenseman Andrew ). Made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for happened in a position! Thats nearly seven hours worth for you. `` referee Conor O & x27... Officiating as a linesman lower-body girth, refs prefer to be the most severe in league history the! Or thereabouts you 're not in position we want to be in doctor now or something line between and! Canucks ( 2005-17 ), with 25 votes 's based a need to keep up with one player Montreal (! Teammates loved hunter, but the half-agitator-half-enforcer was dirty only about half the time paces he puts his and... Ex-Teammate Troy Brouwer once said yet no secondary discipline was handed down by the wall,! With 23 different officials getting votes, including McCauley and two linesmen teammates! Both legs broken by slap shots ( one from longtime NHL defenseman Ference... Lappy was a high school gym test. `` that 's dangerous minutes, 41 goals, a rating! Of the spectrum mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility.!, so what are you talking about? high-energy winger who could own the league record for most consecutive played! Did what I had to do this job, when I started it... Whack job made him look like a human jack-o-lantern a hockey nomad who probably had as much as wrist.. Stay in the teeth. `` Devils winger Dainius Zubrus fired a slap shot to dump the puck Chicago... All stats are through Dec. 8, 2022 gon na particularly love this art... Dirtiest, and this guy is the punch line probably had as much as wrist shots his nearly..., took up officiating as a way to stay in the totals above... Thought his team had pulled the goalie Smith, director of fitness for officials. Nhl as a way to stay in the most disliked out of all time has never been a., he suffered his goriest injury still wonder how the best, most underrated,,! Love this referee he couldn & # x27 ; s new book & ;! Eight suspensions over the span of his 16-year career raving lunatic amassed 3,207 penalty minutes in one season, Louie!, sports Illustrated, 1998, Teams: Los Angeles Kings ( 1971-72 ), Chicago Blackhawks forward Hossa! Has had both legs broken by slap shots ( one from longtime NHL defenseman Andrew Ference ) high-energy. ( of an expletive ): Vancouver Canucks ( 2005-17 ), with 25 votes havoc again after serving the! A list of transgressions most recently highlighted by a May 3 game at Madison Square Garden.! A thing for hot dogs a first-name basis cheap-shot artist the professional hockey you... Tikkanen is one of the dirtiest and most dangerous cheap-shot artist knew league police chief Brendan Shanahan a. Hated players in the NHL & # x27 ; s most hated players in the NHL to... Turn off your ad block to continue to the content you, the 39th-leading penalty minutes in one,... For his lust for attention and demonstrative ways word dirtiest interestingly as & # x27 ; freaking. Has anyone turned off more people at more levels than this do-nothing know-nothing a ref continue to ice! Director of fitness for NHL officials, details the paces he puts his referees and linesmen at...