Montreal Canadiens, a legendary hockey franchise, boasts a lineage of players known not just for their skill, but also their indomitable spirit. This article chronicles the unparalleled commitment of some of the most unforgettable enforcers in the Canadiens’ history, who ensured that the honor of their comrades was upheld on the ice.
The Essence of Hockey and Fighting’s Place Within
Hockey, in all its thrilling glory, often sees sparks fly on the rink. While the sport has seen a reduced frequency of brawls lately, the fiery spirit is far from extinguished. In the 2022-23 season, Montreal Canadiens stood strong, ranking seventh in the league with a tally of 29 significant fights. Taking the lead in this category were Arber Xhekaj and Michael Pezzetta, both engaging in nine fierce battles each.
Guardians of the Canadiens’ Legacy
The Canadiens have always had their sentinels, players who’d rise to the occasion, ready to defend the team’s honor. Historic icons like Sprague Cleghorn, Terry Harper, and Pierre Bouchard, to the contemporary stalwart Brendan Gallagher, have all left their mark. But among them stood Maurice Richard, a legend not just for his goal-scoring capabilities but his fearless demeanor. As recalled in Dick Irvin’s book The Habs,
“Richard didn’t start trouble too often, but when he got involved he usually finished it.” – NHL referee Red Storey
The narrative that follows highlights some of the most memorable enforcers for the Canadiens. Their dedication and ability to engage in duels, often changed not just the game’s dynamics but sometimes even the potential trajectory of a playoff series.
Canadiens’ Defenders: A Closer Look
Delving into the annals of the Montreal Canadiens’ storied past, we find a cadre of stalwart defenders who not only exemplified skill but also displayed an unwavering commitment to uphold the team’s honor; let’s take a closer look at these ice gladiators.
1. John Ferguson
| Career Stats | |
| Games Played | 500 |
| Points | 303 |
| Penalty Minutes | 1216 |
| Fights (for MTL) | 42 |
Dubbed the NHL’s inaugural enforcer, Ferguson’s prowess wasn’t just limited to his formidable reputation. The Vancouver-born player dedicated eight seasons to the Canadiens, shielding gems like Jean Beliveau. His inaugural NHL match witnessed him standing tall against the Bruins’ ‘Terrible’ Ted Green. Ferguson’s versatility was further proven when he led the rookies in scoring for the 1963-64 season.
An unforgettable tribute to Ferguson comes from Beliveau’s book, My Life in Hockey:
“Fergie’s greatest contribution was his spirit; he was the consummate team man and probably succeeded in intimidating more of us in the dressing room than he did our opponents on the ice. You would dare not give less than your best if you wore the same shirt as John Ferguson.”
2. Chris ‘Knuckles’ Nilan
| Career Stats | |
| Games Played | 688 |
| Points | 225 |
| Penalty Minutes | 3043 |
| Fights (for MTL) | 174 |
Earning his moniker ‘Knuckles’ with the Canadiens, Nilan’s fighting spirit was unrivaled. Despite being a late draft from Northeastern University, Nilan proved his mettle with a career peak of 21 goals in the 1984-85 season. His grit and commitment are captured in his podcast motto:
“When I stepped on the ice, I never backed down and I never stayed down.”
3. Lyle Odelein
| Career Stats | |
| Games Played | 1056 |
| Points | 252 |
| Penalty Minutes | 2316 |
| Fights (for MTL) | 85 |
Odelein, despite not being particularly large, was a force to reckon with. In his time with the Canadiens, he went toe-to-toe with some of the era’s fiercest like Matthew Barnaby and Bob Probert. Under Jacques Demers, Odelein also showcased his scoring capabilities.
4. Shayne Corson
| Career Stats | |
| Games Played | 1156 |
| Points | 693 |
| Penalty Minutes | 2357 |
| Fights (for MTL) | 87 |
Among the list, Corson stands out as the most prolific player. His tenure, spanning 19 seasons across various teams, witnessed him consistently scoring around 45 points. He never hesitated to step up, even if it meant facing bigger adversaries.
5. John Kordic
| Career Stats | |
| Games Played | 244 |
| Points | 35 |
| Penalty Minutes | 997 |
| Fights (for MTL) | 31 |
Though Kordic’s time with the Canadiens was relatively brief, his impact was profound. His fierceness earned him commendations, with coach Jean Perron once stating, “Nobody could take John Kordic.”
Sadly, the flame of Kordic’s life was tragically cut short at 27 due to substance abuse issues.
The history of Montreal Canadiens resonates with tales of glory, skill, and an indomitable spirit. These enforcers, with their unmatched dedication and courage, have ensured that the legacy of the Canadiens remains untarnished and continues to inspire future generations.
