Enforcer is an unofficial role in ice hockey. The term is sometimes used synonymously with "fighter", "tough guy" or "goon". Ice hockey, known simply as hockey in areas where it is more common than field hockey, is a team sport played on ice. ...

An enforcer's job is to deter and respond to dirty or violent play by the opposition. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking the offender. Enforcers are expected to react particularly harshly to violence against star players. Checking in ice hockey is the act of physically keeping an opposing player in check. ...

Enforcers are different from pests, players who seek to agitate opponents to distract them from the game. Some players can occupy both roles. In ice hockey, a pest is a type of player who attempts to annoy, anger, or distract opposing players in order to reduce their effectiveness or cause them to take a penalty. ...

The enforcer in the NHL

At the NHL level, teams generally do not carry more than one player whose primary role is enforcer. Enforcers can play either forward or defense, although they are most frequently used as wingers on the 4th forward checking line. Prized for their aggression, size, checking ability, and fists, enforcers are typically less gifted at skill areas of the game than their teammates. Enforcers are typically among the lowest scoring players on the team and receive a smaller share of ice time. “NHL” redirects here. ...

Some players combine aspects of the enforcer role with strong play in other areas of the game. Scott Stevens and Lyle Odelein are examples of players that combine intimidation with good fundamental defensive skills, while Bob Probert and Chris Simon are examples of enforcers who show an occasional scoring flair. Sometimes enforcers can do their job by virtue of their reputation. Clark Gillies was among the best fighters in the NHL during his prime, but over time he rarely had to fight because opponents respected and feared him enough that they would not go after his teammates.^[1] As well, some skilled players, such as legends Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard and current NHL all-star Jarome Iginla, occasionally fight and can function effectively as their own enforcer. For other persons named Scott Stevens, see Scott Stevens (disambiguation). ... Lyle Odelein (b. ... Robert Probert (born June 5, 1965 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward. ... Chris Simon (born January 30, 1972 in Wawa, Ontario) is a professional ice hockey player. ... Clark Jethro Gillies (b. ... Gordon Gordie Howe, OC (born March 31, 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers in the NHL, and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the WHA. He is often referred to as Mr. ... Joseph-Henri-Maurice Rocket Richard PC, CC, OQ (August 4, 1921 – May 27, 2000) was a professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. ... Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla, commonly known as Jarome Iginla, (born July 1, 1977 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Calgary Flames. ...

Changing role of the enforcer in the NHL

The changes in rule enforcement following the 2004-2005 NHL season lockout aimed to increase game speed and scoring. Since then, the role of the enforcer has been in flux. With fighting decreasing, teams are less inclined to keep a roster spot available for a one-dimensional fighter who is a liability as a scorer and defender.^[2] This has led to a decrease in the number of players whose predominant role is enforcer. Instead, other players are expected to contribute aspects of the enforcer role.

List of enforcers

For a list of enforcers, please see Enforcers.

References

See also

• Fighting in ice hockey
• Violence in ice hockey
• Pest (hockey)