Every new hockey season brings with it a new batch of young energetic players that want to make their mark in the league. Some, like Sidney Crosby, do it with their goal scoring skills, while others rely on their fists.
This year, three new players are making their mark. Fortunately for me, the Bruins have one of them with the promotion of Colton Orr from the minors. The other — 6’4” 225lb Brian McGrattan — plays for the Ottawa Senators, but nobody can compare to the “Boogeyman.”
Minnesota Wild’s 6’7” 270lb Derek Boogaard has taken on all comers and handily beaten everyone so far. Realistically, how could he not beat his competition — this man is an absolute monster.
I watched a few clips on the ‘Net today of Boogaard’s fights and I just don’t see any way that anyone is going to be able to beat him. We’ve had some great fighters in the league over the years including the likes of Bob Probert, Troy Crowder and Stu Grimson. Boogaard definitely has some big boots to fill, but I think he can do it.
McGrattan’s claim to fame so far this year is knocking down Tie Domi the other night. Tie is a great fighter and I think he could do better given another opportunity with McGrattan.
Colton Orr has also been doing well, taking on all comers. I don’t think Orr has really lost a battle yet, but his closest match was probably against McGrattan, which ended up in a draw.
November 12th, 2005 at 7:55 pm
I believe it was Bob Uecker who said he went to a fight and a hockey game broke out. He also said he thought hockey would be more interesting if they played with a clear puck.
November 12th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
“A clear puck…”
LOL
I’m not saying that fighting is good, but it’s part of the game and I enjoy it as much as the next guy.
November 12th, 2005 at 8:42 pm
I don’t mind one now and then myself. In a hockey game, that is.
November 12th, 2005 at 10:05 pm
I always enjoyed watching Cam Neely — he was a skilled player, but if you messed with him, he’d drop the gloves.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:41 am
Bob Probert in his prime could take anyone!
February 7th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
the boogeyman has racked up quite the KOs this year, with 13 fighting majors hes knocked out or down about 6 of them. However his performances against some well established fighters such as simon, laraque, and brashear were not very great. But, he is young and without doubt should develop into a more skilled technical fighter to compliment his puching power.