A Interesting Look at the Role of the Enforcer

It's not as much of a role in today's game. The enforcer. The policeman. The goon. The ice hockey player whose role on the team is to protect the team's star player(s) with his ability to hit and throw hands. The player who may only get a handful of shifts. The player who creates room on the ice for himself and his teammates through intimidation and consequences.

There have been some great ones. My favorites are Bob Probert, Joe Kocur, and Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson. Too be fair, while Probert was for a time the recognized heavyweight champion of NHL, he could play the game. He once played in an NHL All-Star Game. He was not just some stone-fisted, cementhead that could fight. He was a hockey player.

The sports comedy movie Goon is based on the true story of Doug Smith, a boxer that took up ice hockey in his late teens and became a minor league hockey player. The movie stars Sean William Scott as Doug "The Thug" Glatt and Kiev Schreiber as Ross "The Boss" Rhea. Doug is the newcomer to hockey that finds himself celebrated in the world of minor league hockey for his ability to "bang." Ross "The Boss" Rhea is the old pro. His career has been defined by his role as an enforcer. He is feared and the one that a young, up-and-coming enforcer must face if he hopes to make a name for himself in the game and truly be recognized as one of the great enforcers. My understanding is that the character of Ross "The Boss" Rhea was modeled after Bob Probert by actor Kiev Schreiber.

Having read and watched stories and accounts about hockey enforcers, I can say that they generally have respect for each other. Well, unless one doesn't adhere to the generally accepted (yet unwritten) code of conduct for both hockey players and enforcers. It is wild to consider that the two guys beating each other bloody on the ice before a roaring crowd might have dinner plans together for after the game. It is wild to consider that they might be friends. I get it. It's a job. In most cases it's not personal. But I can't say that I have warm feelings for anyone that I have fought. Quite the contrary. Well, except for my brothers. Maybe that is the secret.

I recommend watching Goon and the sequel, Goon: The Last Enforcer, if you get the chance. They are funny, entertaining movies with heart. Below is a link to a clip [NSFW] from the movie Goon where the old lion imparts some wisdom on the young lion. Enjoy!

"Ross "The Boss" Rhea drops science on Doug "The Thug" Glatt"