Dave “Tiger” Williams has a 962-game NHL career and has worn the uniforms of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, but also the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Hartford Whalers.
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The 31st overall pick of the 1974 Maple Leafs Draft was known for his tough play, although he also had a scoring talent with four seasons of 20 or more goals, including two of 30 or more goals.
The former forward holds the NHL record for career penalty minutes with 3,971. He leads Dale Hunter (3,565), Tie Domi (3,515) and Marty McSorley (3,381).
To illustrate the astronomical number of 3,971, one has to understand that he spent the equivalent of 66 full games in the penalty box.
While some former strongmen are now calling for an end to fighting in the NHL, Williams does not side with that camp.
“They will never ask my opinion,” he replied in an interview with the Journal. But I can say one thing. Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur were not afraid of a blow to the back of the head. When I was playing, Chris Nilan was there to defend his teammates. If you suddenly went there, you had to pay the price afterwards. For me it’s still part of hockey culture. »
A recording of Nilan
Williams, 69, describes himself as healthy and still in good physical condition. He doesn’t suffer from concussion symptoms like several former thugs.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know if I’ve ever had a concussion,” he replied. In my day, there weren’t that many brain tests and studies. The healers talked to me and asked me questions. After a blow to the head, they took a test. I’ve never missed a presence or a game because of a concussion. I probably played lucky. I gave punches, but I also conceded. I can tell you that I loved playing against “Knuckles” Nilan. »
“Martin Brodeur’s father [Denis] immortalized one of our fights, he continued. In the photo, my nose is moved by a punch from Nilan. I still enjoy looking at it! »