Bashing Brash, Day 1

Glen Sather was right, there will be cheers for Donald Brashear at MSG. Given the price increase at MSG, more and more of the diehard, knowledgeable hockey fans have been pushed out. This is not to say that there aren't some puckheads who will root for Brash - you see Redden and Poti jerseys out there, so there are misguided members of the faithful - but the vast majority will not get behind a player with Brashear's history. The cheers will come, however, from the few corporate clients that come - they don't know the game, they don't care about the game, they just want to see a little violence.

And Donald Brashear will certainly provide that. Brashear is a vicious fighter who throws punches with little-to-no regard for personal safety. When Colton Orr would just start launching punches, you knew he was in trouble. He was a more surgical striker who used his size and leverage to work in his defense while he picked his spot for the big blasts. Whether in tight or at arms length, Brash just rears back and throws. I want to trash Brash for it, but let's face it - it has worked for him. He will hit the 1,000 game mark this season, no small feat for a brawler.

The question is how much fighting will he actually do? According to Hockeyfights.com, the past-his-prime brawler had just 11 fights last season and has not had more than 15 in a season since 2002. Just how prolific can he be? Glen can claim that Brashear will fit in Tortorella's system well but Brash scored double digits in goals just once in his career, back in 2000. So since he isn't about to score, what will he contribute to the system? A forecheck of high elbows, slashes and cross checks?

Aside from the outright bitch-slap to the faces of the True Blue and every player in the locker room, the decision to sign Brashear is a slap in the face of the sport. He blatantly ignores the Code on the ice but teams keep picking him up because of the success of all-out-warfare fighting style. It has gotten him suspended time after time from the NHL and even suspended for a dozen games in a league based around fighting! At the time brash put it back on the league, saying that everyone there was picking on him, trying to make a name for themselves.

I'm sorry, there is no excuse for breaking the Code. It is Brashear's readiness to denigrate our sport with his barbarity that I loathe him and won't be among those cheering when he steps out on the ice in a Blueshirt this fall or any other time.

So, each day this week, I am going to post a YouTube of the animal in action. Today's fine feature will be the Quebec senior league incident that caused the aforementioned 12 game suspension:

And Glen Sather signed this guy.

 "Bashing Brash, Day 1: The Complex Career of Donald Brashear"

Donald Brashear, a name that often elicits strong reactions from hockey fans and players alike. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the complex career of Donald Brashear, a man who played the role of both enforcer and skilled player during his time in the NHL. We'll delve into his background, playing style, notable moments, and controversies. Additionally, we'll address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive view of this polarizing figure in hockey history.

Section 1: The Early Days

1. From Quebec to the NHL

Donald Brashear was born on January 7, 1972, in Bedford, Indiana, but grew up in Val-Bélair, Quebec. We explore his early life and the path that led him to the National Hockey League.

2. The Enforcer Emerges

Brashear's reputation as an enforcer began to take shape during his junior hockey days. We examine the pivotal moments that shaped his identity as a tough player on the ice.

Section 2: Brashear's Style of Play

1. The Enforcer's Role

In a league known for its physicality, Brashear embraced the role of the enforcer. We discuss the responsibilities and challenges that came with being a protector of teammates.

2. Surprising Skills

While often associated with fighting, Brashear possessed surprising hockey skills. We explore his ability to contribute offensively and his versatility as a player.

Section 3: Notable Moments

1. Memorable Fights

Brashear engaged in numerous memorable fights during his career, squaring off against some of the NHL's toughest enforcers. We revisit some of these iconic battles.

2. Unexpected Goals

Despite his role as an enforcer, Brashear occasionally found the back of the net in surprising fashion. We highlight some of his most unexpected goals.

Section 4: Controversies and Incidents

1. On-Ice Incidents

Brashear's career was not without controversy. We delve into some of the on-ice incidents and altercations that made headlines during his time in the NHL.

2. The Marty McSorley Incident

One of the most infamous incidents involving Brashear was the Marty McSorley stick-swinging incident. We explore the aftermath of this controversial event.

Section 5: Impact on the Sport

1. The Role of Enforcers

Brashear's career coincided with a period of debate about the role of enforcers in the NHL. We discuss the evolving perspectives on fighting in hockey.

2. Brashear's Legacy

Beyond the controversies and fights, Brashear's legacy includes his post-retirement endeavors, such as coaching and his contributions to the hockey community.

Section 6: FAQs About Donald Brashear

1. How many fights did Donald Brashear engage in during his NHL career?

Brashear participated in over 200 fights during his NHL career, establishing himself as one of the league's most prominent enforcers.

2. Did Donald Brashear ever win any championships during his NHL career?

While Brashear did not win a Stanley Cup during his career, he did reach the Stanley Cup Finals with the Vancouver Canucks in the 1993-1994 season.

3. What were some of the most memorable fights involving Donald Brashear?

Some of the most memorable fights involving Brashear include his battles with Bob Probert, Georges Laraque, and Tie Domi, among others.

Donald Brashear's career in the NHL was marked by physicality, versatility, and controversy. As an enforcer, he played a vital role in protecting his teammates, but he also possessed surprising hockey skills that often went unnoticed. His legacy is a complex one, with debates about the role of enforcers in hockey continuing to this day. This article serves as the first chapter in our exploration of Brashear's career, shedding light on the man behind the enforcer's role and setting the stage for a deeper dive into his impact on the sport of hockey.