NHL brawlers, often referred to as “tough guys,” play a difficult role that puts them at significant risk of injury. Tasked with protecting their teammates and intimidating their opponents, they engage in physical altercations and often absorb violent blows.
Their role increases the risk of concussions, fractures and other long-term physical conditions. This heavy physical toll can also lead to chronic pain, mental health problems and reduced career length.
Although the role of the enforcer has diminished in modern hockey due to rule changes and an increased emphasis on speed and skill, those who still fulfill this role are often under pressure enormous and must work in dangerous conditions, making their sacrifices crucial and perilous for their team.
A former NHLer, Louie Debruskwho is the father of Jake Debruskwas in interview with the guys from Spittin Chiclets recently and he admitted that this role, although he played it with great pride, created real nightmares and a lot of anxiety for him.
In 401 NHL games between 1991 and 2003, Debrusk received 1,161 penalty minutes. if we look at his profile on hockeyfights.com he fought almost 20 times per season at the start of his career.
I was in a cold sweat all afternoon before the match. I used to be at the rink three hours before the game, just to get out of bed. The sheets were wet. I’m not kidding. As it went on, it’s funny, there were times where it wasn’t as important for one reason or another. If I was in rhythm and fighting well, I was dangerous. It was like you don’t want to fight me right now because I felt really good. Other times I felt like I couldn’t get myself out of a wet paper bag. I was like, “Oh, man, I’m really struggling right now.” So you think about it a little too much. Yes, I think about it. That was the hardest part.
– Louie Debrusk
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