Enforcer Advent Calendar – December 16th – Georges Laraque
It’s the half-way point! Not only are we are nearing the end of the ‘Enforcer Advent Calendar,’ but also this crazy year. Every fan has a different player who they hold near and dear to their heart, meaning that there are so many more warriors that could have made this list. That’s the beauty of sport, we all have a different favourite. Some think Gretzky, others – Mario Lemieux, the older generation may tell you Gordie Howe, while the younger generation argues for Sydney Crosby. Regardless of who your favourite is, we can agree that all these men deserve to be celebrated for their sacrifices. Frankly, enforcers deserve a little spotlight for their accomplishments too because they are far-too-often the unsung heroes. So, let’s celebrate some legends… ‘tis the season, after all.
Past Poster Boys –
December 1st – John “Fergy” Ferguson Sr. December 2nd – Tony “Twister” Twist
December 3rd- Dave “Cementhead” Semenko December 4th – Ryan “Muffin Man” Reaves
December 5th – Darren “Big Mac” McCarty December 6th – Colton “Bobby” Orr
December 7th – Stan “Bulldog” Jonathan December 8th – Lyle “Cornelius” Odelein
December 9th –Krzysztof “The Polish Hammer” Oliwa December 10th – Stu “The Grim Reaper” Grimson
December 11th – Basil “Baz” McRae December 12th – Jordan “Tootoo Train” Tootoo
December 13th – Dave “Browny” Brown December 14th –Darcy “Hordichuks” Hordichuk
December 15th – Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack
December 16th – Georges Laraque
I know it’s tough, but imagine you’re not a hockey fan. If you saw Georges Laraque walking down Jasper Avenue in Edmonton with his charming smile, calm demeanor and gentle nature, there’s not a chance you would guess he was one of the strongest, baddest and most intimidating players to ever lace em’ up. Guess that’s why you never judge a book by its cover. ‘Big Georges’ was a baaaaaaaaad man on-the-ice. The former St. Jean Lynx enforcer quickly endeared himself to the City of Champions, who love their enforcers as much as their stars. Poor management decisions have plagued the Oilers for decades (the decade of darkness wasn’t by accident) and even when Laraque agreed to take a salary cut to stay in Edmonton, they still let their folk hero go. Classic Kevin Lowe. Regardless, Laraque remains a legend in Edmonton and still calls it his home-away-from-home. The former enforcer has evolved into a modern-day Renaissance man – boasting a resume that includes spokesman, politician, commentator… and he beat COVID-19 too. What can’t this man do?
Georges Laraque vs Stu Grimson – January 10, 1999 – 1st period – 1:54
In a moment of vulnerability, Georges Laraque described his feelings about lining up against Dave Brown in 1995. The ambitious 18-year-old couldn’t stop thinking about the beat-down Brown had previously put on Stu “The Grim Reaper” Grimson and opted out from fighting the legendary enforcer. Luckily for Laraque (and the rest of the league), Brown retired. Instead, Laraque overcame his fear by battling Brown’s old foe in his sophomore season. Laraque’s fighting style was as unique as his personality. Squaring off to start the 1st period, the two heavyweights started off 99’ with a bang. ‘Big Georges’ never dove headfirst into the pool; he always waited patiently, picked his spots and looked like Muhammad Ali on skates. In this tilt, Grimson made the first move and got his helmet knocked off immediately with a big left hook. Laraque outweighed Grimson by 15 lbs and was a hell of a lot stronger than the enforcer-turned-lawyer. That’s why he was able to restrain Grimson’s right hand while he landed a flurry of left hooks. Both enforcers stepped back and Laraque took advantage by shaking his elbow pad off so that he could land some unrestricted bombs on ‘The Grim Reaper’. Grimson was only able to land a few body shots before the two wrestled down to and grappled on the ice. This wasn’t the most eventful fight, but Laraque let the league and Oilers fans know that there was an enforcer in Alberta who was willing to take on anyone…except Dave Brown, of course.
Georges Laraque vs Rob Ray – March 03, 1999 – 1st period – 10:42
Rob Ray should have checked the schedule in 99’, because he paid the price for not knowing the Oilers were coming to town a week later. Ray took advantage of Laraque not being in the lineup when the Sabres went to Edmonton and ran every Oiler in sight. Well, Laraque got the tap when they met the next week in Buffalo and Ray knew he was going to have to answer the bell. Rick Jeanneret stayed true to his homer biases in this bout and vouched for Rob Ray. Uh, sorry Rick, this bout was all Laraque. The Oilers enforcer hopped over the boards and sought out the Ontario native to exact some retribution for the previous week’s indiscretions. ‘Big Georges’ grabbed Ray and let off a storm of left hooks while the Sabres enforcer had no other option but to try to duck the blows. In an effort to weather the storm, Ray bearhugged Laraque before being tossed to ice, ending the one-sided bout. It must have been an amazing feeling for Laraque to skate to the box without a scratch on his face after dominating a legend. All credit to Ray for taking on a much stronger opponent but, unfortunately, he was helped off the ice with a knee injury. This tilt acted as a harsh reminder not to take liberties with an Oiler ever again.
Georges Laraque vs Derek Boogaard – November 14, 2006 – 2nd period – 2:33
‘Big Georges’ didn’t enter many dances with a partner bigger than him, but the ‘Boogey man’ wasn’t your regular dance partner. That’s why the fans in the desert knew they were in for a show when these two giants squared off. 270 lbs vs 243 lbs made UFC heavyweights look like welterweights, and these two knew they needed to do their job. Boogaard started the bout off strong when he grabbed Laraque and spun him around to land two right hooks, followed up by a big uppercut. Before forcing Boogaard to the ice, Laraque was able to shake loose and land some weak left jabs. The bond between NHL enforcers is impossible for outsiders to truly understand. Luckily, in Laraques book – The Story of the NHL’s Unlikeliest Tough Guy – he detailed a bonding session he’d had with Riley Cote, George Parros and Derek Boogaard during a random meet-up in Las Vegas. As active players, the heavyweights commiserated about their roles as enforcers, because the only ones that truly understand their plight are one of their own. The respect in hockey separates itself from other sports because these stories aren’t few-and-far-between. These gladiators tried to knock each other out every single night, yet were still able to sit down in Vegas to talk honestly and openly about things nobody could ever understand. You could spend 10 years in University learning about the impact anxiety, fear and rumination have on the human psyche and still never understand the feeling of standing in front of 20-thousand screaming fans and trading blows with trained fighters. While, like many, some of his fellow enforcers (Boogaard included) resorted to self-medicating, Laraque sought out charitable works as his stress outlet. In hindsight, meetings among enforcers should be mandated by the league because, by Laraque’s account, it was therapeutic for all parties involved. Enforcers will always feel more comfortable talking with one of their own than a University grad. That’s just the way it is.
I am never surprised to hear when Enforcers have continued success in their post-playing careers. This is because the personality and charisma required to do their job isn’t for your Average Joe. ‘Big Georges’ has never been shy in stating his stance on racism, gay rights and animal cruelty, and his principles have never wavered. Although the legendary enforcer was forced to step-down from his Green Party position after fraud charges were brought against him, as Laraque fans expected, the charges were withdrawn. Laraque has always been a class-act and continues to pursue the same charitable endeavours he did throughout his playing career. ‘Big Georges’ was an NHL pioneer and overcame racism throughout the entirety of his career. He reportedly drew his inspiration from Jackie Robinson because he didn’t have any role models that he could identify with in the NHL. #42 had become a symbol of overcoming adversity in sports and society. Laraque was able to overcome that same adversity when racial slurs were hurled at him as a kid, teenager and adult. It’s remarkable that, in spite of the vitriol spewed at him, Laraque seems to hold no grudges and just continues to promote kindness, love and positivity. There is a running joke in Edmonton that any past Oiler is guaranteed a job with the organization and there is no doubt that fans would love to see BGL standing behind-the-bench one day. Fingers crossed.
Twitter:@Jonesinthezone
