Enforcer Advent Calendar – December 20th – John Scott
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 Sidney 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 “Big Georges” Laraque
December 17th – Joey “Bruise Brother” KocurDecember 18th – Tim “Sharkey” Hunter
December 19th – Shawn “Thorty” Thornton
December 20th – John Scott
Every mornin’ at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six-foot-six and weighed two-forty-five
Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip
And everybody knew ya didn’t give no lip to big John
Big bad John
Jimmy Dean may not have been writing about John Scott, but the lyrics are fitting for the larger than-life-enforcer. One difference though, Scott stands 6’8” and 260 lbs, making him an intimidating presence every time he stepped on the ice. Thanks to an online campaign, the world got familiar with ‘Big John’ after he was voted in as the Pacific Division Captain of the 2016 All-Star game. The NHL gave the power to the fans, and while they did their darndest to keep the Yotes’ big man out of the game, the people had spoken and the NHL was forced to bend the knee. Scott’s final season and the ensuing All-Star game controversy was so riveting that Mandalay Sports Media immediately acquired the rights to create a movie about ‘Big John’s’ wild ride. For fight fans, John Scott will be remembered for his big hits, menacing presence, rag-dolling opponents, and always doing it with a smile.
John Scott vs Danny Bois – September 20, 2009 – 1st period – 3:01
We’ve all been in that situation where you pulled out your camera and started recording because you knew something wild was going to happen. During this pre-season affair, a fan had that same feeling and recorded a nice tilt between John Scott and Danny Bois. The camera work is less than impressive, but it didn’t matter, this fight was over before it even started. Scott took exception to a late-hit and sought retribution. The victim? Danny Bois. The two crashed into each other near the blue-line and gave Minnesota fans one of five big scraps that would occur that night. Scott started this tilt strong and ended it even stronger. Two quick rights stunned Bois and, like a shark in water, ‘Big John’ smelt blood and intended to capitalize. Bois tried to respond with a left hand, but Scott blocked it and responded with a huge right hook that TKO’ed the Hawks’ winger. In the video you can hear the crowd yelling, “Get ‘em Scott!” I think it’s safe to say, he got ‘em.
John Scott vs Joel Rechlicz – March 25, 2009 – 1st period – 4:27
There are certain guys you should never give the ol’ stink-eye to. ‘Big John’ was one of those fellas and that look started this 1st period dance. Credit to Joel Rechlicz for battling a giant that he gave up 4 inches and 40 lbs to, but in the NHL you don’t always get the luxury of picking your opponent. The tilt started with the two exchanging a couple right hands and jockeying for position. Scott landed a huge jersey-jab that knocked Rechlicz’s helmet off, well… almost. The Islanders winger was at a disadvantage because he had his helmet hanging around his neck for the duration of the bout. Scott wasn’t about to take a pause so that he could get it off, instead he unloaded a couple big overhand rights. And even as Rechlicz tried backing up, Scott had such a hold on him that there was no escape. ‘Big John’ took advantage and unloaded about 7 unanswered jabs. The two heavyweights were visibly exhausted and exchanged a couple more shots before the linesmen intervened. The fans at Nassau Coliseum were used to losing in ‘09 and this game was no different. The Wild left Long Island with a 6-2 win, helping the Islanders on their quest for John Tavares in the upcoming draft.
John Scott vs George Parros – February 28, 2013 – 1st period – 2:47
John Scott’s massive frame and dominant presence meant he didn’t have many recurring dance partners. George Parros battled with Scott 3 times, which was plenty for both of them. Whenever these two heavyweights locked up, fans knew they were in for a show. Scott was in his debut season with the Sabres and Parros was in his lone season in Florida. Both were looking to make an impression on their new clubs. Parros challenged the big man after Scott delivered a massive mid-ice hit to Filip Kuba. The Sabres new enforcer got a good hold of Parros and landed a flurry of jersey-jabs. The beautiful moustached man didn’t back down and responded with a couple jabs and two big body shots. The two grappled for a bit but, as the true showmen they were, started exchanging right hooks. ‘Big John’s’ reach advantage was too much for Parros in this bout because, after knocking his helmet off, Scott was able to land a -huge uppercut that sent the Panthers’ enforcer to-the-ice. This game in Florida ended with a thrilling shootout and, while neither of these two enforcers were picked as shooters, they set the tone for a great game with their 1st period heavyweight tilt.
Scott may be remembered for the All-Star shenanigans or ‘The Phil Kessel incident,’ but he was an intimidating presence that we may never see again. Fighting was already on the decline, which meant finding suitors for Scott were few and far between. Somehow, he still found a way to always give the fans a show. In a hilarious interview about the aforementioned incident, Scott detailed how Randy Carlyle’s decision to send out Phil Kessell made the melee inevitable. Fans mark that as the start of a bitter rivalry between Buffalo and Toronto that gave hockey fans some thrilling games. The Michigan Tech alumnus was destined for post-career success with his charming personality and self-deprecating humour. Scott penned two heartfelt articles for the Players Tribune – the first was amidst the All-Star drama and the second announcing his retirement – both were well-written and 100% authentic. Scott’s analogy about feeling like he was about to get whacked when Gary Bettman showed up at his hotel room in Nashville was both terrifying and hilarious at the same time. There are no pulling punches with John Scott (no pun intended) – he’s always told it like it is. This makes the prospect of a John Scott movie that much more appealing, because fans know they’re going to get the real stories, not the PC ones. Regardless of where you rank Scott on the enforcers all-time list, during his decade in the league, he definitely remains ranked at the top for always being a damn good teammate.
Twitter:@Jonesinthezone
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