Step into the ring and witness the glory days of OHL fighting. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of the Ontario Hockey League's most feared fighters. From the 1975-1995 golden age of fisticuffs, these warriors left an indelible mark on the sport. Brace yourself for a journey through the relentless power and unyielding spirit of these legendary brawlers.
1. Todd Gill: The Skilled Defenceman with Thunderous Fists
Explore the unique combination of skill and fighting prowess possessed by Todd Gill, a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
Todd Gill, a standout player for the Windsor Spitfires from 1982 to 1985, defied expectations with his dual talents as a skilled defenceman and a formidable fighter. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Gill may not have been the biggest, but his raw power and ability to throw punches with both hands made him a force to be feared.
One memorable bout showcased Gill's dominance when he faced off against the mammoth 6-foot-5, 230-pound Jeff Beukeboom of the Soo Greyhounds. In a display of sheer determination, Gill unleashed a flurry of left and right-hand punches, securing a clear-cut victory. This defining moment solidified Gill's reputation as a champion in the eyes of fans and opponents alike.
2. Dennis Bonvie: The Menace of the North Bay Centennials
Uncover the legend of Dennis Bonvie, an absolute terror on the ice with the North Bay Centennials, known for his unmatched fighting skills.
Nicknamed 'Dennis The Menace', Bonvie wreaked havoc as a 5-foot-11, 200-pound defender for the North Bay Centennials from 1991 to 1993. His intimidating presence and aggressive style of play earned him a staggering 700+ penalty minutes in just 140 games.
What set Bonvie apart was his unbeaten record in OHL fights. He became a pure goon, fearlessly taking on any opponent who dared to challenge him. This dominance carried over into his professional career, where he spent close to 100 seasons in the National Hockey League. Notably, Bonvie holds the record for spending over 600 minutes in the penalty box during a single minor league season.
3. Mike Rusin: The Unyielding Warrior of the Soo Greyhounds
Discover the unrelenting spirit of Mike Rusin, a solidly built defenceman who never backed down from a fight during his time with the Soo Greyhounds.
Mike Rusin, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound defenceman, left an indelible mark on the Soo Greyhounds from 1974 to 1976. Renowned for his fighting prowess, Rusin's record remains untarnished, with no losses in any of his OHL fights.
His most notable victories came against the formidable Stan Jonathan of the Peterborough Petes. Rusin emerged triumphant in three separate encounters, showcasing his dominance over the future NHL enforcer. After his OHL career, Rusin continued to impress in the minor pro International Hockey League, becoming a fan favorite and an iconic warrior with the Flint Generals and Muskegon Lumberjacks.
4. Brian Goudie: The Silent Strongman of the Soo Greyhounds
Unleash the power of Brian Goudie, a silent force on the ice who possessed lightning-quick hands and a devastating punch.
Brian Goudie, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound defenseman from The Pas, Man, made his mark as a guardian of the blue-line for the Soo Greyhounds from 1991 to 1993. Despite his quiet demeanor, Goudie's lightning-quick hands and powerful punches struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.
One punch from Goudie was all it took to send an opponent crashing to the ice. His ability to deliver knockout blows with precision and force solidified his reputation as a silent strongman. Goudie's presence on the ice was a constant reminder that he was a force to be reckoned with.
5. Joey Gallant: The Spitfires' Fearless Left-Wing Fighter
Delve into the world of Joey Gallant, a left-wing player for the Windsor Spitfires who was known for his fearlessness in the ring.
Joey Gallant may not have been the most skilled skater or prolific goal scorer during his time with the Windsor Spitfires from 1976 to 1978. However, when it came to fighting, Gallant was a force to be reckoned with.
Opponents knew better than to challenge Gallant, as his victories over notable tough guys like Tim Coulis of the Soo and Al Secord of the Hamilton Fincups proved his mettle. The bloodthirsty fans at Windsor Arena would chant Gallant's name, eagerly awaiting his appearance on the ice to unleash his fighting prowess.
6. Brad Smith: The Robust Right-Winger with a Devastating Hook
Witness the power of Brad Smith, a robust right-winger who thrilled crowds with his scoring ability and devastating punches.
Brad Smith, a standout player for both the Windsor Spitfires and Sudbury Wolves from 1976 to 1978, was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. His robust physique and powerful shots made him a crowd favorite, especially at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Smith's ability to score goals was matched only by his talent for throwing hooks to the head when engaging in fights with opposing players. His exciting style of play made him a beloved figure on Hockey Night In Canada, earning the admiration of fans and the respect of his opponents.
