Enforcer Advent Calendar – December 4th – Ryan Reaves
For an array of reasons, December 2020 will be a month none of us will ever forget. The toll this pandemic has taken on society has been different for every individual in every part of the world. Regardless, we can all relate to experiencing some anxiety, stress and fear about the uncertainty of things. That’s why it felt fitting to put out the ‘Enforcer Advent Calendar.’ These warriors dealt with the aforementioned emotions night-in and night-out to a degree that only they can truly comprehend. I get it – it’s been tough not being able to go out with the boys, see a good game and cheer-on a good scrap, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the past. It sucks because enforcers are sometimes forgotten by fair-weather fans but, luckily, the diehards will always chant their name in the arenas and on the streets. Whichever side you land on, here’s a reminder of a few legends.
December 4th – Ryan Reaves
“Do you know the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man. Do you know the muffin man,
who lives on Drury Lane?”
Ryan Reaves may not be from Drury Lane but he’s had no trouble embracing the nickname bestowed on him by Evander Kane. Sometimes people are born in the wrong generation and this adage certainly rings true for Ryan Reaves. The Winnipeg native is literally the last of a dying breed – talented, entertaining, willing to dance with anyone, and tough as hell. The idea of Reaves scrapping Probert gives goosebumps to fight fans but – alas – we are left to only imagine that epic bout. The role of enforcer may be diminishing, but Reaves’ popularity definitely isn’t. Try and prove me wrong by going to Vegas and enjoying a taste of Reaves’ custom 7Five craft beer line… that’s if you’re able to get through the sea of people supporting their desert enforcer.
Ryan Reaves vs Kyle Clifford – March 17, 2011 – 1st period – 16:54
Every movie writer would love to work in a scene where two heavyweights square off at center ice to a roaring crowd that ends in a TKO. It’s movie magic. Luckily for fight fans, any movie can become a reality in sunny Los Angeles…this isn’t a movie Kyle Clifford is going to want to watch anytime soon. The two met up near the end of the first period and the fight was over before the cameraman realized it had even started. Clifford threw a right hook that Reaves ducked, which left Clifford in a vulnerable position. Reaves was able to capitalize with two huge right hands that caused the legs of the Kings winger to buckle. While the TKO was the most thrilling part of the fight, the poise and respectfulness Reaves showed his opponent must be acknowledged. Obvious recognition can be given to the fact that he didn’t throw any punches when Clifford hit the ice, however (and more tactfully), in order to lessen the impact of his fall, Reaves also held his jersey and guided him to the ice. He didn’t need to do that. Most people wouldn’t. But once again, Reaves is a different breed. Those who didn’t know about the Manitoba native sure as hell did after that two-punch combo. Watching their team get shut out 4-0 that night, fans at the STAPLES center didn’t have much to cheer about. But any St. Louis fans vacationing in California (maybe doing the classic Los Angeles-Anaheim-San Jose hockey road trip) got to watch their boys put on an absolute show. This kind of magic only happens in Hollywood…
Ryan Reaves vs Theo Peckham – March 24, 2011 – 1st period – 3:09
Ryan Reaves capped off a busy March with a bout against Theo Peckham, who was playing for the less-than-stellar Edmonton Oilers. Meeting Peckham in front of Nikolai Khabibulin’s crease only 3 minutes into the 1st period, Reaves racked up his 4th fight of the month. These two monsters started planning and plotting their respective attacks. Peckham started the fight strong using a little bob-and-weave ploy that landed a hard, straight left jab… but, once Reaves got a hold of him, it was over. Reaves stands at 6’2” and 225 lbs of pure muscle. When asked by his lifelong family friend Scott Oake from CBC, “who can bench press more, you or Dustin Byfuglien?” he simply responded – “Me of course, come on Scotty I’ve been in your hot tub, you’ve seen this body.” Reaves has always been a joyful character and a showman, so it was no surprise that, after he landed 10-straight shots, he motioned to the crowd to make some noise and get out of their seats. As the stand-up player he is, this celebration wasn’t too much, particularly when you consider Tie Domi’s Championship belt gesture… but if you read comments from fans, it was ‘classless’ and ‘disrespectful.’ Everyone is entitled to their opinions but let’s gain some perspective: these warriors pump adrenaline and experience emotions on levels that many of us will never feel in our lives. Besides, who doesn’t love a reason to get up and cheer on your hometown enforcer? Also, let’s be brutally honest – both teams were out of the playoffs and the fans at the Scottrade Center got to enjoy a spirited battle during a disappointing season. Why? Because of these two guys.
Ryan Reaves vs Evander Kane – April 14, 2019 – 3rd period – 17:59
It’s tough to say this out loud – but thank you Jake Paul! Disclaimer: this thank you isn’t for that awful fight many of us had to endure November 28th – it’s a thank you for reigniting the rivalry between Evander Kane and Ryan Reaves. After “fighting” the former NBA player Nate Robinson, Kane issued a challenge to Paul, clearly feeling he would be able to knock the Youtube star off his pedestal. Reaves couldn’t help himself, tossing a jab in by saying ‘Calling someone out to fight? We might have to wait 9 years to see that. He might be a good prelim vs @KevinHart4real though.” Never missing a chance to chirp a nemesis is classic Reaves. Although these two have a history of public jabs, they were able to put aside their disdain for each other to fight for the greater good. Notably, Reaves played an integral role in initiating a conversation about the injustices incurred by minority members in the NHL and society at-large. This cooperation was powerful and beautiful to see. Let’s be blunt though, just because they worked together doesn’t mean they liked each other on-the-ice. So, after years of verbal and physical jabs, another scrap was inevitable. Reaves and the Knights were up 6-3 in Game 3 of their Western Conference 1st round series and did everything he could to instigate a scrap with Kane. Two slashes and a cross-check did the job and Kane responded to Reaves’ advances with a slash of his own. The two finally dropped the gloves and – kudos to Kane for agreeing to fight the Nevada enforcer – this was a one-sided affair. Reaves was able to land two quick jabs before the two got split up and once they reconnected it was a flurry of right hooks from Reaves. While Kane was able to land a couple good jabs and knock off Reaves’ helmet, he should be thankful he was wearing a visor because – if he hadn’t had – he would have eaten a ton of punches. Kane’s confidence wasn’t shaken. Instead, after the bout he insinuated that Reaves wasn’t as tough as he thought he was, bestowing “the Muffin Man” moniker as a nickname for ‘Muffin Man Reaves.’ Reaves fully embraced it and, to keep the joke going, made it his Twitter picture. But Kane and the Sharks had the last laugh when they won Game 5, 6 and 7, sending Reaves and the Knights packing after a thrilling series. Forget Jake Paul, fight fans would rather see a Reaves and Kane rematch to start 2021.
Over his 11 years in the NHL, Reaves has made an impact on every game he’s appeared in. Whether it’s a goal, assist, fight or even a prank in the post-game interview, Reaves always makes his presence known and hockey fans have the privilege of enjoying the show. For hockey fans Ryan Reaves is the classic player that you love when he’s on your team and hate when he’s on the opposition. Regardless of what uniform he’s in, Reaves is always a class-act. He doesn’t jump guys or take cheap shots. He just squares up and throws down. He is truly the last of a dying breed. This class extends off-the-ice and is demonstrated by his powerful speech that addressed racial injustice and donating all the proceeds from his 7Five craft beer line to support COVID-19 relief in Las Vegas. Further, the tragic overdose of Scott Oake’s son, Bruce, who was a lifelong friend of Reaves, inspired the Oake family to start a foundation to offer other families affected by addictions the support needed to prevent a similar tragedy. With a thoughtful tattoo dedicated to his fallen friend, Reaves has been a regular contributor to the foundation. With his charisma, confidence and playful nature, the sky’s the limit. There is no doubt that, when he decides to hang up the skates, Reaves will make the jump to the media and, personally, I would love to see one of the funniest guys in the NHL on a pregame show down-the-road.
Twitter:@Jonesinthezone
