Enforcer (ice hockey)

Prized for their aggression, size, checking ability, and fists, enforcers are typically less gifted at skill areas of the game than their teammates.

[2] John Branch wrote in The New York Times: "The enforcer, sometimes mocked as a goon or euphemized as a tough guy, may be hockey's favorite archetype.

[4][5] He unexpectedly played a key role in his division's victory by scoring two goals, where fan response also led to him being named the most valuable player of the tournament.

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.

[7] Some skilled players, such as legends Gordie Howe and NHL all-star Jarome Iginla are also capable fighters and can function effectively as their own enforcer.

[10] Another possible reason for the decline in fighting and the use of the enforcer role is greater awareness of the risks from head trauma[10] and resulting chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the mood alteration that is associated with the condition.

Wade Belak was found dead at the age of 35 in his Toronto hotel room in circumstances that caused a newspaper's police source to categorize his death as a suicide.

Sports journalist and writer Roy Macgregor opines that in light of recent tragic events there should be more done about it, including eliminating the role altogether.

[12] New York Times sportswriter John Branch covered Boogaard's death and the "epidemic" of chronic traumatic encephalopathy that has come as a result of frequent head trauma sustained by hockey enforcers.