EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''

[oneillthegiant]

EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS


Wade Belak - Coventry Blaze 2004/05 .. 

Paul 'Rocky' Ferone - Belfast Giants 2000-2001, Manchester Storm 2001-2002, Hull Thunder 2002-2003, Newcastle Vipers 2003-2007 ..

Dennis Vial - Sheffield Steelers 1999-2001 ..

Mike 'The Terminator' Ware - Murrayfield Racers 1992-1994, Edinburgh Racers 1994-1995, Cardiff Devils 1995-1997, Sheffield Steelers 1997-1998, London Knights 1999-2000, Cardiff Devils 2000-2001, London Knights 2001-2002, Cardiff Devils 2002-2004 ..

Paxton Schulte - Bracknell Bee's 1998-2000, Belfast Giants 2000-2004 ..

Barry Nieckar - London Knights 1999-2000, Nottingham Panthers 2000-2003 ..

Paul Kruse - Sheffield Steelers 2001-2002, Belfast Giants 2002-2003 ..

Dody Wood - Ayr Scottish Eagles 2001-2002, Nottingham Panthers 2002-2003 ..

Dion Darling - Sheffield Steelers 2002-2005, Nottingham Panthers 2005-2006,                                                    Cardiff Devils 2006-2008 ..

Clayton Norris - Newcastle Riverkings 1999-2000, Cardiff Devils 2000-2001, Nottingham Panthers 2001-2002 ..

[oneillthegiant]

Wade Belak .. Coventry Blaze - 2004/2005
Born Jul 3, 1976
Died Aug 31, 2011 (aged 35)
Saskatoon, SASK, Canada  

Height 6'5'' (196 cm)
Weight 221 (100 kg) 

Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?P=250


Titles
- Voted the best fighter in the NHL by fans on www.hockeyfights.com/ and dropyourgloves.com/Top.aspx in 2008/09..
- EIHL All-Star Second Team 04/05
- EIHL Challenge Cup Champion 04/05
- EIHL Champion 04/05
- EIHL Playoff Champion 04/05




Coventry Blaze's NHL lock-out signing in 2004/05 season Wade Belak came to the UK with the reputation as one of the toughest players playing in the NHL. 

Belak started his career in the the tough WHL as a 16 year old Junior playing for his home team in 1992-1993 season the Saskatoon Blades. Belak played 3 season's with his home team, leading his team in fighting majors in 1994-1995 with over 20 fights. It was then that Belak got called up to his 1st NHL pre-season training camp with the Quebec Nordiques. 
Belak then made his professional debut during the 1994-95 AHL playoffs, when the Quebec Nordiques assigned Belak to the Cornwall Aces. In 11 playoff games, Belak had a goal and three points, while also getting into his first Pro hockey fight hammering the unlucky Paul Jerrard of the Hershey Bears .

Belak's Pro career saw him playing over 100 AHL games with the Cornwall Aces, Hershey Bears and Saint John Flames.
Belak also played 549 NHL games from 1996 to 2011. Playing for Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and the Nashville Predators.
 
While in the NHL Wade fought game in game out against many top fighters, including Bob Probert, Sandy McCarthy, Chris Simon, Stu Grimson, Donald Brashear, Georges Laraque, Peter Worrell, Eric Godard, Brian McGrattan, Colton Orr,  Derek Boogaard and Steve MacIntyre.
Wade Belak best season in the NHL as a fighter was in 2008/09 when he fought and beat top enforcer Derek Boogaard twice, Cam Janssen twice, Zack Stortini, Darcy Hordichuk, Mike Rupp, Riley Cote and he finished that season by fighting Donald Brashear and John Erskine in the same game on March 10th, TKO'ing one of the all time greats Brashear in their fight. It was this season that Wade Belak was voted best fighter in the NHL by the highly regarded fight site www.hockeyfights.com/ . 

It was the NHL lock-out season of 2004-05 that Wade Belak came to EIHL and what an impact he made here with the Coventry Blaze. Winning the Grand Slam of the EIHL league Championship, Play-off Championship and the Challenge Cup. He was a massive presence on the ice for the Blaze.  In 42 games with the Blaze, Belak had seven goals and 17 points and 178 PIM. In the playoffs, Belak had a goal and two points in eight games. Belak was also named to the EIHL Second All-Star Team. Wade Belak showed why he was a top enforcer from the NHL as he dominated many games with his physicalality.

Wade did not find too many guys to fight him in the EIHL but when his Blaze side played against the toughest team the EIHL has every seen the 2004/05 Racers, Belak was able to show the EIHL fans what he was like with the gloves off. Belak fought several times against the Racers that season, fighting both Jeremy Cornish and Jason Robinson a number of times each, and also fighting the Racers NHL Lock-out enforcer Eric Cairns in one of the best heavyweight fights the EIHL has seen.

Belak other fights that season in the EIHL came against then Steelers D.Man and now the head coach of the Cardiff Devils Gerad Adams in Sheffield, and the Devils Russ Romaniuk who took a beating for taking out Belak's team-mate Neal Martin with a heavy hit in Cardiff.

Belak for me he has been the best all round enforcer I've seen in the UK. At EIHL level he was a quality player at his role as a big stay at home D-Man. He was also a great enforcer on the ice who's presence alone would keep other teams honest, and his fighting ability was 2nd to nobody. 

Sadly on August 31, 2011. Wade Belak was found dead in a condo at a hotel in Toronto. Belak's death was believed to have been suicide after Belak had been suffering from depression for a number of years. Belak death shocked many around the ice hockey community in North America and over here in the UK. Players like Tie Domi saying 

 "He was a very special guy and was loved by everyone,". "He was a teammate, a great, great teammate. He was a special kid."

Belak will be remembered as one of the best enforcers of his era in the NHL, and one of the 'All Time Great enforcers' to play in the EIHL. Wade Belak is EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS first pick for our ''Hall of Fame''


Here is some of Wade Belak's Career fight highlights.























The last clip is a tribute to the Great Wade Belak







 

[oneillthegiant]

Paul Ferone - Belfast Giants 2000-2001, Manchester Storm 2001-2002, Hull Thunder 2002-2003, Newcastle Vipers 2003-2007 ..

Born Apr 12, 1976 Age 37
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Height 5'11'' (180 cm)
Weight 185 (84 kg)


Fight Card  -  dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=5885


Titles
- EIHL Playoff Champion 05/06





Ferone played Junior hockey in Seattle with the tough Thunderbirds team in the WHL. The Thunderbirds in the 3 season's Ferone played lead the WHL in fighting majors each year, with Ferone personally average 20 fights a season in Juniors. After the WHL Ferone was called into the Vancouver Canucks Pre-season training camp in 1997 and he got a game and a fight against the Edmonton Oilers.

Ferone then spent the next few season's in the AHL and ECHL were he made a name for himself as a talented tough guy with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL). While in the N.A leagues Ferone fought some very tough enforcers, including Peter Worrell, Dale Purinton, Todd Fedoruk, Rob Skrlac,  Shawn Thornton, Eric Boulton, Francis Lessard and many more guys who went on to be good enforcers both in the NHL and Minor leagues in North America.

Ferone first came to the UK in 2000-2001 season and was part of the very first Belfast Giants team. Ferone was along side Paxton Schulte and Jason Bowen brought in as the Giants tough guy. Ferone quickly becoming a favorite among the Giants fan base. Ferone in his first season in the UK fought Louis Bedard of the Newcastle Jesters in two good fights, he also had a very good fight with Panthers enforcer Barry Nieckar that lasted nearly 2 minutes. Ferone also clashed with Dennis Vial of the Steelers and London's Darby Walker during the 2000-2001 season.

Ferone then moved on to the Manchester Storm who he helped reach the Play-off finals in 2001-2002 season. Ferone that year fought former Giants team mate Paxton Schulte in a decent scrap in Belfast, he also fought ex NHL tough guy Dody Wood and Frank Evans, Jason Ruff and Terran Sandwith.

Ferone's next destination in the UK was Hull as he dropped down to the BNL. Ferone split the 2002-2003 season with the Hull Thunder before moving to the Newcastle Vipers. Ferone would spent the next 4 years as a Vipers player and although he never fought as much as he did in previous season he was still regarded around the UK as one of the toughest guys over here.

As a Viper Ferone did have some memorable fights, like when he fought Dundee Stars enforcer Jason Shmyr in a great fight in 2003. Ferone also gave Scott Allison of the Bracknell bees a beating in the BNL in 2003/04, while having a few good fights with Jean-Philippe Soucy.

Ferone then fought twice with Coventry Blaze's new tough guy in 2004-2005 pre-season, Andre Payette. The first fight was an entertaining draw with both guys landing some good punches in a spirited fight. The 2nd fight saw Ferone coming out on top.  These two would become team mates the following season. 

The Newcastle Vipers and Ferone joined the EIHL in 2005-2006 season and they put together a very tough team. Ferone was joined by Mel Angelstad, Jeremy Cornish and Andre Payette that season. A very intimidating line up. The Vipers that year were not just about toughness though and the ended the season as Play-Off champions. Ferone did get in 4 fights this season, getting wins over the Belfast Giants Shawn Skiehar, Cardiff Devils Brad Voth in one of their two fights, and hammering Basingstokes Andrew Sande.

Ferone's final season with the Vipers saw him line-up in another tough team. The Vipers starting that campaign with former NHL enforcer Brantt Myhres, Jeremy Cornish, Andre Payette, Jason Robinson and Ferone. Ferone only fought the once this season where he came off 2nd best to the toughest guy in the EIHL at that time Brett Clouthier of the Manchester Phoenix.    


Paul Ferone was a Newcastle Vipers legend among their fan base and he was rated by many UK hockey fight fans as the toughest guy 'Pound for pound' to ever play in the UK. He was only 5'11'' and around 185lbs yet regularly fought and beat much bigger guys in the UK. Paul Ferone for the reason above is now also part of the EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''


Here is some of Paul Ferone's Career fight highlights.

















  

[oneillthegiant]

Dennis Vial..

Born Apr 10, 1969 Age 44
Sault Ste. Marie, ONT, Canada

Height 6'1'' (185 cm)
Weight 215 (98 kg)


Fight card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=4658


Titles

- Challenge Cup 99/00
- BISL Champion 00/01
- BISL Play-Off's 00/01
- Challenge Cup 00/01
- Benson & Hedges Cup 00/01
- ECHL Performer of the Year 02/03
- IHL Turner Cup Champion 97/98





Dennis Vial spent 3 season's with the Hamilton Steelhawks in the OHL as a Junior. He played along side a certain Mike Ware in his first season in the OHL with the Steelhalks. These two would go on to have some memorable fights against one another both in N.A and in the UK. Vial was drafted by the NHL's New York Rangers in the 6th round, 110th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. That year he went back to the OHL and played with the Niagara Falls Thunder, followed by a year with the Flint Spirits in the IHL for the 1989–1990 season, scoring 35 points in 79 games and registering 351 penalty minutes, a career high. Throughout this time Vial established himself as a hard hitting enforcer and defenceman and he was called up midway through the 1990–1991 season to join the Rangers.

Vial split the 1990-1991 season playing between the NHL & AHL leagues. Starting out with the Rangers Vial played 21 games and fought several times before he went to Binghamton Rangers in the AHL, playing 40 games and fighting 17 times. While with Binghamton that season Dennis Vial fought Mike Ware. Vial won this fight with a TKO win over his former Junior's team-mate. Vial finished the 1990-91 season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Vial would spend the next two season's (1991-1992, 1992-1993) in the Detroit Red Wings organisation playing in the NHL, and also for their AHL outfit Adirondack Red Wings. During his time with the Wings Vial had some great fights and he was an instant favorite among the Red Wing fans. His Pre-season fight with Stu Grimson on September 21st, 1992, was a great toe to toe battle and showed Vial could hang with and beat some of the very best enforcers in the NHL at that time.

Vial ended up in Ottawa at the start of the 1993-94 season and he would spend his next 5 seasons as an Ottawa Senator. In 1993-94 he was given the team's Frank Finnigan Award as the Sens most improved player. He led the Senators in penalty minutes, major penalties, and fighting majors. While with the Sen's Vial continued to put on great fights, many of his fights being contenders for 'NHL Fight of the Season'. Not only did Vial put on great fights 'night in, night out' but he was fighting some of the best enforcers to ever play in the NHL. Names like Bob Probert, Tony Twist, Joey Kocur, Chris Simon, Marty McSorley, Tie Domi, Stu Grimson, Donald Brashear. ect on a regular basis. 

Dennis Vial was also involved in one of the best series of NHL fights as a Sen with fellow enforcer Rob Ray of the Buffalo Sabres . Between 1993 and 1996 these two fought 8 times. Every time both guys went to war and they put on 8 memorable fights. Vial left the Sens in 1997 joining the Chicago Wolves in the IHL playing 79 games from 1998 to 1999. Vial fought a lot of former ISL/EIHL tough guys that season like Clayton Norris, Jason Shmyr, Fredrik Oduya, Mel Angelstad and Darren Banks.

Vial joined the Sheffield Steelers in the 1999-2000 season. The ISL at that time was stacked with toughness with most teams carrying 2/3 guys who were fighters in their rosters. Vial 1st season in the UK saw him fighting a few times including dropping the gloves with Clayton Norris of the Newcastle Jester's on a few occasions, Paxton Schulte then of the Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils Todd Gillingham and Vial also gave London tough guy Andy Bezeau and few right hands after the two clashed in a game in London. The Steelers and Vial won the Challenge this year. 

Vial's 2nd season in the UK 2000-2001 was something special. The Steelers team that year won the Grandslam of ISL Championship, Play-off Championship, Challenge Cup and Autumn Cup. The team also led the league in fighting majors, with Vial finishing the season with the most fighting majors in the ISL. This was also the season when the Steelers had that memorable bench clearing brawl that Vial played a major part in.


Vial in 2000-2001 fought the Panthers Barry Neickar twice, Claude Jutras and Eric Lavigne early on in the season. Then on September 16th 2000, Vial fought his old team mate from Junior days Mike Ware 9 years on from their first encounter in N.A . The two clashed early on in the Steelers v Devils game in Sheffield, with both throwing some bombs early on. Ware landed flush knocking Dennis Vial out.

Vial a few weeks later was back in action against the Giants Paxton Schulte and then Manchester's Doug Doull. Vial then fought Paul Ferone, Louis Bedard, P.C Drouin, Rob Trumbley, Blair Scott and then locked horns with Mike Ware for a 2nd time this season. This fight started after the Devils Mike Ware tried to take Vial out with a knee on knee hit. Vial reacted with a cross check and the gloves came off. Vial dropped Ware early on in this fight but the Devils tough guy came back and it turned out to be a very good scrap.

Vial final fights in the UK happened in the bench clearing brawl between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers on February 2nd 2001. The game started to heat up early in the 2nd period and things turned nasty after the Panthers Barry Neickar took out Vial resulting in the benches clearing. Vial fought Neickar during the brawl and Vial also got involved with some Panthers fans by the benches giving them a few squirts of water from his bottle. After this memorable season with the Steelers Vial returned to N.A and played a couple of season in the ECHL before retiring from Pro-hockey in 2005.



Dennis Vial is rated by many as one of the most entertaining hockey fighters of his day in the NHL and he certainly was one of the most entertaining fighters to play in the UK. His success with the Steelers was well deserved and he will go down as one of their all time great enforcers. Vial has to be included in EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''



 Here is some of Dennis Vial's Career fight highlights.


















 


  

[oneillthegiant]

Mike Ware ..  Murrayfield Racers 1992-1994, Edinburgh Racers 1994-1995, Cardiff Devils 1995-1997, Sheffield Steelers 1997-1998, London Knights 1999-2000, Cardiff Devils 2000-2001, London Knights 2001-2002, Cardiff Devils 2002-2004 ..

Born Mar 22, 1967 Age 46
York, ONT, Canada

Height 6'5'' (196 cm)
Weight 215 (98 kg)

Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=4722


Titles 
- BISL Champion 96/97
- Benson & Hedges Cup 92/93
- BISL Play-Offs 99/00




Mike Ware started his career way back in 1984 with the Hamilton Steelhawks in the OHL. Ware played 3 season's as a Junior in the OHL and he was drafted by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers as a 3rd round pick in 1985. 

Ware first taste of Pro hockey was in 1987 with the Edmonton Oilers AHL affiliate team at that time, the Nova Scotia Oilers. Ware lead his team in fighting majors in his first season as a Pro. The following season 1988-89 Ware made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers playing a couple of games for the then great Oilers side. But he spent most of 88-89 with Cape Breton Oilers in the AHL. 

Ware started with Cape Breton for another two season's 1989-1990 & 1990-1991 and was called up by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers on another 3 occasions. While in North America in the Oilers set-up Ware fought enforcers like Craig Berube, Serge Roberge, Jay Miller, Marty McSorley, Al Secord, Bryan Marchment, Dave Manson. In his final fight in the AHL he fought and lost to a certain Dennis Vial, after Vial landed a flush right hand to TKO Ware. 


Mike Ware was then signed by the Scottish side the Murrayfield Racers in 1992 and he stayed in Scotland with the Edinburgh out fit for 3 season's, winning the Benson & Hedges Cup in 92/93. While with the Racers Ware put up 598 pims in 116 games, while also scoring 210 pts. He left the Racers in 1995 .

Ware then joined the Cardiff Devils at the start of the 1995-96 BHL season. Ware stayed with the Devils for a couple of season's winning the BHL Championship in 96/97. The following season Ware left to join the Devils rivals the Sheffield Steelers in 1997-98. Ware then played a season in Germany's top hockey league the DEL in 98/99 before returning to the UK to sign for the tough London Knights team in 1999/2000. This team included the likes of Barry Nieckar, Darren Banks, Andy Bezeau.

Ware lead the Knights in fights in 99/00. Ware had a number of fights with rival Paxton Schulte of the Bracknell Bees, both scoring a couple of big wins over the other this season. Ware also fought the Nottingham Panthers enforcer Clayton Norris a couple of times in 99/00. The Knights went on to win the Play-offs. 

Ware returned to Cardiff at the start of 00/01 ISL season and his first fight that season saw him taking on the former New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings & Ottawa Senators enforcer Dennis Vial, who had over 100 NHL fights under his belt. It happened early in the Game between the Steelers and Devils on the 16th September 2000 in Sheffield. After a bit of talking between the two enforcers the gloves hit the ice and the two traded about 6 heavy right hands each, Ware final punch landing flush and dropped the Steelers enforcer to the ice. Ware had a few more fights in 2000 mostly against his former team the London Knights, fighting tough guy Claude Jutras a couple of times and jumping the Knights Brendan Yarema who foolishly mocked Ware after a scrum in Cardiff on Nov 5, 2000. Ware final fight this season was again against Steelers enforcer Dennis Vial. They had a good long fight in Cardiff with the action going back and forth in a spirited fight, both sets of fans claiming a win for their man.

Mike Ware went back to the London Knights in 2001/2002 and he fought his UK rival Paxton Schulte three more times this season. Schulte got the better of Ware on two occasions this season, but Ware was able to score a win in their 6th fight against one another in the UK. Ware was then back with the Cardiff Devils in 2002/03 season in the BNL. Ware played 30 games in the BNL and fought the tough young British kid Chris Conaboy of the Dundee Stars and also fought Hull Thunder's enforcer Eric Lavigne. Ware stayed with the Cardiff Devils for the first season of EIHL hockey in the UK in 2002/2003. His final career hockey fight, and only fight that season was against old rival Paxton Schulte of the Belfast Giants. This was the 7th time these two fought in the UK.

Mike Ware retired from hockey in 2004 and will be remembered in the UK hockey circles as a top Enforcer who patrolled the ice for many seasons in the UK. Mike Ware is and will always be a big fan favorite among many in the Cardiff Devils fan base. His battles with Dennis Vial and Paxton Schulte still get talked about among EIHL fight fans all these years later. Mike ''The Terminator'' Ware is another who deserves to go on our EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''.



Here is some of Mike Ware's Career fight highlights.

[oneillthegiant]

Paxton Schulte .. Bracknell Bees 1998-2000, Belfast Giants 2000-2004

Born Jul 16, 1972 Age 40
Onoway, ALTA, Canada

Height 6'2'' (188 cm)
Weight 210 (95 kg)

Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=4030



Titles
1998-1999 BISL Most Penalized Player (152min)
1998-1999 BISL League leader in fighting majors (18)
1999-2000 BISL League leader in fighting majors (12)
1999-2000 BISL Champion
2001-2002 BISL Champion
2002-2003 BISL Playoff Champion
2003-2004 EIHL Most Penalized Player (352min)
2003-2004 EIHL League leader in fighting majors (9)
Belfast Giants 'All time, most penalty minutes 793'
Belfast Giants 'All time, most fighting majors'







Paxton Schulte went to Univ. of North Dakota as an 18 year old and played for the "Fighting Sioux" in the NCAA. But it was when Paxton joined the Spokane Chiefs in his Junior days in the WHL in 1991 that he started to make a name for himself as a skilled tough guy. Paxton in played 2 season's with the Chiefs in 91/92 & 92/93 season's. During his time in the WHL Paxton scored 80 goals, 77 assists, in 115 games. While also fighting on a regular basis. 

Paxton was drafted in the 6th round of the NHL's 1992 Draft by the Québec Nordiques and he would play 1 NHL game for the Nordiques in 1993. Paxton spent his rookie season in 1993-1994 with the AHL's Cornwall Aces playing 56 games and putting up 30pts. He stayed with the Cornwall Aces for another two season and while with the Ace's Schulte got some good tutoring and picked up a lot of fighting tips from his then team-mate, the feared AHL enforcer Serge Roberge. Schulte in his final season with the Aces in 1995-1996 scored 25 goals which made him the Ace's joint top goal scorer that season. 

In 1996-1997 Paxton played his 2nd NHL game this time with Calgary Flames before spending the rest of the season back in the AHL with the Saint John Flames. Paxton put up a career high of 27 fights this season fighting some top guys along the way including both Eric Cairns and George Laraque. Paxton stayed with Saint John at the start of 1997-1998 season playing 59 games for them before moving to the IHL with Las Vegas Thunder where he finished the season. While in North America Paxton fought numerous enforcers and tough guys while also putting up good scoring stats as well.


1998-99 season saw Paxton arriving in the UK for the 1st time with the Bracknell Bees, and in his first season Paxton lead the league in fighting majors and Pims. Schulte fought 18 times in his first season with the Bee's, battling Cardiff's feared enforcer Mike MacWilliam 3 times that season. Schulte also fought tough guys like Jarret Zukiwsky, Corey Beaulieu, Scott Allison & Jim Mathieson in his 1st season in the UK.

Paxton returned to Bracknell the following season 99/00, and he continued to be the Bees main go too guy when the going got tough. Schulte again lead the ISL in fighting majors and it was this season that Schulte and Mike Ware started off their UK rivalry. Schulte and Ware fought 3 times this season, both scoring decisive wins over the other in 2 of their fights. Schulte also fought enforcers Clayton Norris, Dennis Vial and the tough Devils player Ian McIntyre before the season ended. Schulte would win a Superleague title with the Bees this season.


The following season 2000-2001 Paxton joined the newly formed Belfast Giants franchise from Northern Ireland and it was here that he gained Legendary status over 4 season's with the Belfast side. In his first season with the Giants he lead the Giants in fighting majors with 10 fights, fighting Eric Lavigne, Dennis Vial, Scott Allison, Doug Doull, Trevor Doyle, Daniel Lacroix, Dave "Moose" Morissette, Craig Binns and Dwight Parrish. Paxton also scored 17 goals and put up 33 pts in 48 games in his first season as a Giant. 


Paxton's 2nd season 2001-2002 in Belfast, he again lead the Giants in fighting Majors and Pims. Schulte fought 8 times this term battling with rival Mike Ware another 3 times. Schulte winning two of these fights clearly, leaving Mike Ware sporting a swollen Jaw after Schulte gave the London enforcer a beating in Belfast on the 4th of October 2001. Schulte also fought former Giants team-mate and fellow enforcer Paul Ferone in a good battle in Belfast, as well as fighting both of the Panthers enforcers Clayton Norris & Barry Nieckar in close fights, and finishing the season going toe to toe with the Steelers enforcer Paul Kruse. Schulte score 20 goals this season in 48 games leading the league in pts among all the other tough guys. He also helped lead the Giants to their 1st every EIHL Championship. 

2002-2003 saw Paxton at the start of the season being the Giants only tough guy in their roster. And 10 games into the season (Oct 26, 2002) the Giants faced a Panthers team stacked with toughness including enforcers Dody Wood, Barry Nieckar and Jason Clarke. Panthers had been looking for trouble all game and once the whistle sounded after the Giants won 3.2, It all kicked off. Panthers D.man Kristian Taubert and Paxton dropped the gloves and started to fight, but a number of other Panthers began to grab onto Schulte as the fight went on. Panthers Barry Nieckar then took his jersey off and started to sucker punch Schulte from behind, with Dody Wood then landing a sucker punch that dropped Schulte to the Ice. This was a major talking point for years after wards among Giants fans and it resulted in the Giants owners and coach bringing in former NHL enforcer Paul Kruse for the rest of the season. Paxton had to wait a little later on in the season to get some revenge on Nieckar. On Dec 29th Schulte would get his chance to fight Nieckar again and in front of a packed 'O' crowd in Belfast Schulte got the better of the Panthers hard man in a short fight. Schulte would go on to help the Giants win the Play-off's at the end of the season. 

2003-2004 Schulte returned for a 4th season with the Giants. In 54 games Schulte scored 21 goals and had 31 assists, while also leading the league in fighting majors, and putting up a then UK record of 352 penalty mins in a season. This record stood only a season as the Blaze's Andre Payette put up 490 the following year. Schulte fought Blaze's Graham Schlender a couple of times this season, he also beat Mike Ware again in their 7th fight in the UK, while he also fought Steelers tough D.man Dion Darling 3 times before the season ended. Dion winning the 1st fight in Sheffield, Paxton gaining a Win in Belfast, before a final fight in Sheffield that most fans said was pretty even.  

Paxton retired from hockey at the end of the 03/04 season finishing as the Giants then all-time leading points scorer, most penalty minutes, and most fighting majors. He came out of retirement after one year to play a season in the CHL split between the Amarillo Gorillas and Tulsa Oilers, before going back into retirement. In 2007 Paxton's jersey was officially retired by the Giants organisation in a ceremony the night before Todd Kelman’s testimonial game. 



Paxton Schulte will go down in UK hockey circles as one of the most gifted enforcers to play in the UK skill wise. He was also a very tough player who fought some great fighters while in the UK like Mike MacWilliam, Paul Kruse, Barry Nieckar, Paul Ferone, Mike Ware, Dion Darling, Dennis Vial, Clayton Norris, Dave "Moose" Morissette. ect. He's left the UK as a Belfast Giants legend and the Giants Org have tried many times to find a replacement like Paxton. But as of yet the search continues. Schulte Joins the EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''


Here is some of Paxton Schulte's Career fight highlights.

[oneillthegiant]

Barry Nieckar .. 

Born Dec 16, 1967 Age 45
Rama, SASK, Canada

Height 6'3'' (190 cm)
Weight 217 (99 kg)


Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=3331


Titles
- AHL Most Penalized Player 94/95 with (491) minutes.





Barry Nieckar's hockey career started in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in 1986 playing two season's. His first season Nieckar played for the Weyburn Red Wings finishing the season with 12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points and 115 penalty minutes in 41 games. Nieckar moved to the Yorkton Terriers the following season (1987-1988) and his numbers increased as Nieckar put up over a point a game. Playing 57 times and scoring 27 goals and adding 32 assists, Nieckar also increased his penalty minutes to 188. 

In 1989-1990 Nieckar played in the ECHL for a few games with the Virginia Lancers. Then moved on to the Raleigh IceCaps in 1991-1992 ECHL season, playing 50 games while posting 251 pim's. Nieckar also had a handful of games in the IHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners in 1992. 


92/93 season saw Nieckar get his first taste of NHL action when he played a couple of games for the Hartford Whalers. While also playing 21 games in the AHL for the Springfield Indians. The next season Barry Nieckar split 1993-1994 playing for both Springfield Indians (AHL) & Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) . 


1994-1995 saw Barry starting the season in the AHL with the Saint John Flames. This was the season Barry Nieckar really started to make a name for himself as a top enforcer in the minors. Nieckar fought the likes of Dennis Bonvie, Serge Roberge, Ryan VandenBussche, Francois Leroux, Reid Simpson and Clayton Norris. Nieckar was then again called up to the NHL this time with the Calgary Flames for 3 games where he tangled twice with one of the All time great enforcers Tony Twist of the St. Louis Blues. Twist was regarded by many as one of the toughest guy's in the NHL at that time and he proved to much for Nieckar in their two fights. Nieckar finished the 1994-1995 season with a personal career high of 29 fights in a season, and a massive (491) penalty minutes in the AHL, a then record for that league. 


Nieckar switch leagues in 1995-1996, playing in the IHL for both the Utah Grizzlies and the Peoria Rivermen. Nieckar had 17 fights this season and totaled 266 pims, fighting the likes of Mel Angelstad, Sasha Lakovic, Barry Dreger and Dean Ewen before the end of the season. 


1996-1997 and Nieckar was back playing NHL hockey, having a couple of Pre-season and regular season games with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The rest of 96/97 Nieckar spent with Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he led the Ice Dogs in penalty minutes with (386) and fighting 23 times. Nieckar was back the following season 1997-1998 playing in Anaheim's pre-season NHL games and he fought 4 times before joining Anaheim's (AHL) outfit the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. Nieckar's last season in North America was 1998-1999 when Nieckar played a few pre-season games with NHL side the Phoenix Coyotes before spending the rest of the season with the Springfield Falcons in the AHL. Nieckar put up a further 270 pim's in 98/99 finishing his North American hockey career with 2252 penalty minutes.


Barry Nieckar in 1999-2000 joined the (ISL) where he was part of one of the toughest teams in the UK the London Knights. The Knights that season had Barry Nieckar, Mike Ware, Andy Bezeau, Darren Banks and Greg Smyth in their roster. The Knights led the league in fighting major's with Nieckar in only 21 games leading the team in penalty minutes with (143).


The following season (2000-2001) Barry Nieckar would join the Nottingham Panthers where he became a fan favorite among the Nottingham fan base. Nieckar's first fight as a Panthers was against the Steelers former NHL enforcer Dennis Vial, Nieckar then had fights with Scott Metcalfe, Daniel Lacroix, Trevor Doyle and Shawn Byram. Then on the 9th February 2001 the Panthers and Steelers would be involved in a wild bench clearing brawl in Nottingham which Nieckar played a major part in. With 24 minutes gone on the clock Nieckar and Steelers enforcer Dennis Vial clashed behind the play resulting in Vial going down to the ice hurt. Steelers player Scott Allison then skated in and cross checked Nieckar in the head before all the players on the ice got involved. Vial then got back up and went for Nieckar and the two fought with Nieckar hammering the Steelers tough guy, It was at this point the benches emptied. Nieckar removed his jersey and would go looking for guy to pair up with, Steelers Dennis Vial at this stage removed his jersey and these two would fight again. 


Nieckar and Vial tied up and skated around the ice both landing a few punches as fights broke out all around them. Both enforcers were clearly tired and they were broken up by a lino. Steelers tough guy Scott Allison who had also removed his jersey then when after Nieckar and they also fought. Nieckar by this staged was gassed and he done his best to tie up Allison before the two were separated. This would be Nieckar's final fight of 00/01. For his part in the brawl Nieckar was banned for 5 games and received a £700 fine. Nieckar lead the Panthers in fighting majors this season and he was 2nd overall in the ISL in penalty minutes with (253).  


Nieckar returned to the Panthers in 2001-2002 season where he shared the role of team enforcer with the tough Clayton Norris. Nieckar this season in his 1st game against the Steelers since the brawl in February 2001 got his chance for revenge on Steelers tough guy Scott Allison, who had cross checked Barry in the head in the previous game. The two fought in the 2nd period with Nieckar handing out a beating to the Steelers player. Nieckar led the Panthers in fighting majors this season fighting Allison, Paxton Schulte, Dody Wood, Peter Leboutillier, Nate Leslie and Phil Crowe. He also led the ISL in penalty minutes posting (222) in 45 games.


Nieckar final season in hockey in 2002-2003 was again with the Nottingham Panthers. This Panthers side also included enforcers Dody Wood and Jason Clarke as well as Scott Allison who the Panther's had signed from their rivals the Sheffield Steelers. Nieckar only played 20 games this season for the Panthers but he again led them in penalty minutes with (150). Nieckar fought just 4 times in 02/03, fighting Gerad Adams early in the season, he was then one of the main guys involved in the Jumping of Belfast Giants enforcer Paxton Schulte in Belfast at the end of the game on October 26th 2002. Nieckar was caught on camera removing his jersey before sucker punching Schulte who was involved in a fight with another Panther player. Schulte and Nieckar would fight again later on in the season in Belfast. Nieckar then had another fight with Gerad Adams which Nieckar dominated and number #44 final fight of his hockey career and as a Panther was against the Steelers Dion Darling.


Barry Nieckar had the reputation in the UK as a feared enforcer and he was one of the best at protecting his team-mates to play in the UK. He was a good fighter who over his long career fought some of the toughest guys around and while in the UK he became a Panthers fan favorite.
 I've noticed over the years watching UK hockey that if another teams enforcer is disliked by rival fans then it usually means he's doing a good job out on the ice. Nieckar was hated by many rival teams fans, myself as a Giants fans included. So even if you not a fan of Barry Nieckar, you have to respect him as an enforcer as he was clearly good at his job, and he deserves a place in the EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS ''Hall of Fame''.


Here is some of Barry Nieckar's Career fight highlights.

[oneillthegiant]

Paul Kruse ..    Sheffield Steelers 2001/2002, Belfast Giants 2002/2003

Born Mar 15, 1970 Age 43
Merritt, BC, Canada

Height 6'0'' (183 cm)
Weight 215 (98 kg)

Fight card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=2353


Titles
- WHL Champion's 89/90
- BISL Playoff Champion 01/02
- BISL Playoff Champion 02/03







Paul Kruse's hockey career began in his home town of Merritt in British Columbia, playing in the BCJHL for a few season's from 1986-1988. Kruse then aged 18 joined the WHL Kamloops Blazers and it was here that Kruse started to make a name for himself as a tough player out on the ice. Kruse lead the Blazers in fighting majors in both season's he played for them totaling 50 fights in two season's and 500pims. Kruse's team also made the Memorial Cup finals in 1990, and that years Kamloops Blazers also hold their franchise record of most wins in a season.


Kruse Pro hockey career began in the 1990/1991 season in the IHL league with Salt Lake City 'Golden Eagles' . Salt Lake led the IHL in fighting majors that season, Kruse leading the team and also the league with 19 fights in his 1st year as a Pro. Near the end of the season Kruse got called up to play one NHL game for the Calgary Flames and he had his first NHL fight of his career against a guy named Jim Thomson of the LA Kings.


1991-1992 saw Kruse playing pre-season with the Flames in the NHL. Before again starting the regular season with Salt Lake in the IHL. Kruse would go on to play 57 times for the Eagle in 91/92 and he finished the season with (267) penalty minutes. Kruse was also called up another 16 times this season by the NHL's Calgary Flames and he fought 8 times with the Flames.

The following season Kruse played his Pre-season out in Russia with Moscow's Soviet Wings. He returned for another regular season (1992-1993) split between the IHL and NHL again with Salt Lake & the Calgary Flames. Kruse had some good fights while with the Flames this season, impressing the Flames fans with wins over  Brad May, Randy McKay and Gerald Diduck.

1993-1994 saw Kruse playing the full season with the Calgary Flames. Kruse would go on to spend the next 3 years with the Flames winning two Divisional Championship's in 93/94 and 94/95. Kruse while with the flames was sharing the enforcing duties with a certain Sandy McCarty, and the two of them done a great job protecting the Flames star guys including of the greats in Theo Fluery. While with the Flames Franchise Kruse had over 50 NHL fights including some that where contenders for fights of the season like his battle with Cam Russell in 1994.

Kruse left the Flames shortly into the 1996-1997 NHL season and joined the New York Islanders. Kruse played 110 games for the Islanders and fought 23 times before moving on to the Buffalo Sabres in 1998. Kruse played 66 times with the Sabres and would put up another 22 NHL fights while in Buffalo. Kruse fought and beat some good enforcers while with the Sabres including Rob Ray and Eric Cairns.

1999-2000 Kruse returned to the IHL to play for Utah Grizzlies and the following season 2000-2001 Kruse joined the Chicago Wolves also in the IHL league. While with the Wolves Kruse had some great toe to toe battles with Mel Angelstad and Darcy Hordichuk. 
 Kruse finished his North American hockey career as a NHL fan favorite in both Calgary and Buffalo. He had over 200 hockey fights in North America and his fight card included guys like Tony Twist, Troy Crowder, Rob Ray, Donald Brashear,  Dave "Moose" Morissette, Eric Cairns, Mel Angelstad, Wendel Clark, Darcy Hordichuk, Reed Low and many more top enforcers. It was with this reputation that Kruse would come to the UK the following season.

Paul Kruse joined the Sheffield Steelers in 2001-2002 and he help the Steelers win the BISL Playoff Champion, while also leading the Steelers in penalty minutes with (152). Kruse only fought a few times for the Steelers this season as he found it hard to find guys to fight him due to his reputation as a former NHL enforcer. He did have a good fight with Belfast Giants enforcer Paxton Schulte in Belfast in a nice little toe to toe scrap. Kruse also at the end of the season dominated a game physically against the Russian side Dynamo Moscow.

The following season Kruse was signed by the Belfast Giants who after an incident at the end of their game with the Nottingham Panthers on October 26, 2002 wanted to add some toughness to their roster. Kruse again found that getting other tough guys to drop the gloves with him hard in the ISL, and it lead to a few embarrassing moments for the tough Panthers team of 2002/03 as Kruse rag dolled one of their enforcers Jason Clarke on two occasions, with the Panthers tough guy would refusing to fight the Giants enforcer. Kruse would go on too a few good fights with Dody Wood, before Clarke would finally drop the gloves with Kruse. Kruse taunted Clarke during this fight as Clarke held on tight until their were separated by the lino's. Kruse also gave London's Chris Slater a beating before the end of the season. Kruse helped the Giants to a BISL Playoff Championship, Kruse 2nd Championship in the UK. 


Paul Kruse never fought a lot in the UK mainly due to his reputation and there not being too many guys in the UK at that time willing to fight him, and those that did normally ended up on the wrong side of a beating.  What we did see of Paul Kruse in the UK was a fearsome enforcer who was always throwing himself about and keeping the other teams tough guys in check. His long NHL career proved he was well respect in the worlds top hockey league as well. Paul Kruse joins our 'Hall of Fame'


Here is some of Paul Kruse's Career fight highlights.

[oneillthegiant]

Dody Wood .. Ayr Scottish Eagles 2001/2002, Nottingham Panthers 2002/2003 ..

Born May 8, 1972 Age 41
Chetwynd, BC, Canada

Height 5'11'' (180 cm)
Weight 195 (89 kg)


Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=4856


Titles
-IHL Most Fighting Majors 99/00 (29)
-IHL Most penalty minutes in a season 99/00 (341)
-ISL Challenge Cup 01/02 





Dody Wood was born in Chetwynd, British Colombia and he started his hockey career in the Junior 'Western Hockey League'. Wood in the WHL played 106 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds 1989 - 1992 and a few games with the Swift Current Broncos 1991 - 1992. Wood lead the Thunderbirds in penalty minutes in 1990-1991 with (272) and also lead the team in fighting majors with (27). Dody Wood was also drafted in 1991 round 3 #45 overall by the NHL's San Jose Sharks.

While in Juniors Wood who was around 180lbs regularly fought guys much bigger than himself and he was considered one of the tougher guys in the league. This theme would continue though out Dody's career in every league he played in.


Dody Wood started the 1992-1993 season in the IHL league with the Kansas City Blades. Dody would become a fan favorite with the Blades fans over the years, with Wood playing 316 games for them and totaling (1695) pims. In his first season with Kansas City Dody lead the team in fighting majors with (19) and also lead the team in penalty minutes with (216). 
Wood aged just 20 years old was called up to the NHL by San Jose Sharks for the first time in March 1993 getting 13 games and fighting 8 times. His first NHL fight was against Jim Paek of the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 23rd 1993, a fight which Wood clearly won.


1993-1994 saw Dody spending the whole season in Kansas City with the Blades. Wood in 48 games fought (24) times, leading his team in fighting majors and also in penalty minutes. Wood put up a massive (320) pims this season, 2nd overall in the IHL.

1994-1995 and Wood started Pre-Season with the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Wood had a few pre-season fights, fighting both Todd Ewen & Marty McSorley. Wood returned to Kansas City in the IHL for the start of the regular season and he again lead the team in fights (16) and penalty minutes (255) pims in the regular season, and another (87) pims in the Play-off series. Wood was also called up a further 7 times for the Sharks in the NHL and while up he fought another 5 times, impressing in his fights including a very good showing against one of the leagues tougher guys Tie Domi.

The following season Dody spent the whole of 1995-1996 playing in the NHL with the Sharks. Wood played in 32 games, fighting (11) times that season and putting up (138) pims. Wood in those 11 fights fought some of the top enforcers in the NHL like Bob Probert,  Marty McSorley and Donald Brashear. Wood scoring a win over the Brashear in a good fight. 


Dody played most of the 1996-1997 season again with the San Jose Sharks in the NHL, with a few returns to his old team the Kansas City Blades in the IHL. Dody played 44 times for the Sharks in 96/97, leading the team in fights with a total of (17) and posting (193) pims. The Sharks that season had put together a very tough team which included Dody, Marty McSorley, Andrei Nazarov, Tim Hunter, Todd Ewen and Owen Nolan. 
Wood had fights with the likes of Dennis Bonvie, Rob Ray, Donald Brashear, Eric Cairns, Tie Domi and Gino Odjick before the season ended.


Dody the following season 1997-1998 again started with the Sharks in the NHL. But Wood would only play a handful of games for San Jose before playing a couple of times back with Kansas City and then moving to the AHL to ice for the Albany River Rats. Wood that season in games in the NHL / IHL / AHL totaled over 300 pims. 

Wood returned to Kansas City Blades for the 1998-1999 season and he went on to lead the Blades in fights with (22) and in penalty minutes with (286) pims. Wood stayed with the Blades the following two season in 1999-2000 & 2000-2001. Wood put up a career high of (341) pims in 99/00 more than any other player in the IHL. He also put up a career high of (29) fights including fighting future UK bound enforcers like Andy Bezeau, Doug Doull, Paul Kruse and Daniel Lacroix. 2000-2001 saw Wood getting his last taste of NHL action with a few games Pre-season with Vancouver Canucks. The rest of 00/01 Wood played with the Blades in the IHL, Blades finished the IHL season with the most fighting majors in the IHL, Wood fighting a further (16) times. This would be Wood final season with the Blades and over his time there he was voted a fan favorite and was voted Most Popular Player two times, as well as winning Community Service Awards on a number of occasions.   


Dody Wood arrived in the UK for the first time at the start of the 2001-02. Wood was signed by head coach of the Ayr Scottish Eagles, Paul Heavey. Wood helped the Eagles to the ISL challenge cup, and they were Runners up in the league that season as well. Wood led the Eagles in penalty minutes with (171) pims and he had the most fights in the ISL with (9). Wood in his first season in the UK fought Jason Bowen and Terran Sandwith  of the Belfast Giants, the Knights Gerad Adams, Panthers Barry Nieckar, Steelers Peter Leboutillier and the Manchester Storms Paul Ferone and Dwight Parrish.

The following season 2002-2003 Dody moved to the Nottingham Panthers. The Panthers roster that season included Dody, Barry Nieckar, Jason Clarke and Scott Allison. Wood lead the EIHL in fights (9) fighting Bees tough guys Christian Gosselin and Darren Hurley, Steelers Dion Darling and Scott Levins, he hammered London Knights Chris Slater on a few occasions, and had 3 fights against the Belfast Giants that season including two with former NHL enforcer Paul Kruse and one with Ryan Kuwabara. Wood was also part of the incident in which the Panthers team jumped the Giants Paxton Schulte at the end of a game in Belfast.  


Dody Wood went on to play with the QSMHL's St Georges-de-Beauce Garaga, CHL's Memphis River Kings and the ECHL's Dayton Bombers in the 2003-2004 seasons. Dody also played with the Horse Lake Thunder of the NPHL in 2004. The Horse Lake Roster also included former NHL stars Theoren Fleury, Gino Odjick & Sasha Lakovic. He went on to coach the Horse Lake Chiefs in the North Peace Hockey League for five seasons, 2007 - 2012. After retiring, Wood moved back to his hometown Chetwynd, BC. 


Dody Wood had a long career as a top enforcer in every league he played in and despite him regularly giving up height and reach in many of his hockey fights Wood proved to be as tough as they come. He was clearly one of if not the toughest guys 'Pound for pound' to play in the UK and was a very protective enforcer for every team he played for. Dody Wood goes in the EIHL Hockeyfights 'Hall of Fame'.


Here is some of Dody Wood's Career fight highlights.

[oneillthegiant]

Dion Darling .. Sheffield Steelers  2002-2005, Nottingham Panthers  2005-2006                                                    Cardiff Devils 2006/2008 ..

Born Oct 22, 1974 Age 38
Edmonton, ALTA, Canada

Height 6'3'' (190 cm)
Weight 222 (101 kg)


Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=5808


Titles
- BISL Champion 02/03
- BISL Challenge Cup 02/03
- EIHL Champion 03/04
- EIHL Playoff Champion 03/04


  .





Dion Darling is another tough guy who came to our shores having previously played his Junior days in the tough WHL. Darling played for the Spokane Chiefs in 1992-93 & split the 1993-94 season between Spokane & the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Spokane Chiefs were a tough team in the WHL and along side Dion Darling they had names like future NHL enforcers Brantt Myhres, Kevin Sawyer and a future Belfast Giants tough guy Paxton Schulte. Dion was also drafted in 1993 by the NHL's Montréal Canadiens in the 5th round, #125 overall. 

Darling played a handful of games for the ECHL Wheeling Thunderbirds in 1994-95 but spent the majority of the season with Fredericton Canadiens in the (AHL). Darling was a team mate of Donald Brashear while in Fredericton in his rookie season.
Darling stayed with the Fredericton Canadiens for 4 season's between 1994 and 1998, finishing with (706) penalty minutes and having 44 fights in the AHL. Darling fought some tough enforcers during his stay in Fredericton, including fights against Ryan VandenBussche, Paxton Schulte, John Craighead, Peter Worrell, Shawn Thornton, Dody Wood, Rob Skrlac and Chris McAllister.

Darling moved to the Fort Wayne Komets of the (IHL) at the start of the 1998-1999 season. The Komets were one of the toughest teams in the IHL league and Darling posted a career high of (267) penalty minutes while fighting (12) times that season including having battles with top IHL enforcers Mel Angelstad & Nathan Perrott.
The following season Dion started out his Pre-season with the LA King's fighting 5 times for them in games against San Jose Sharks, Phoenix Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche. Darling then spent the rest of the 1999-2000 in the (IHL) with Long Beach Ice Dogs. Dion's final season in the (IHL) was spent playing for the Manitoba Moose in 2000-2001. 

Darling split 2001-2002 season between a spell in the top Euro league the Russian (KHL) and back in North America in the (WCHL) with the Idaho Steelheads. The Steelheads team in the (WCHL) included a young Jeremy Yablonski who was the teams enforcer, so Dion and the rest of the Steelheads tougher players had a quiet season fight wise as the young Yablonski was eager to show his worth.


Sheffield Steelers signed Dion Darling to their roster in 2002-2003 season. Darling lead the Steelers in fights that season and helped them win a Championship and Challenge cup double. Dion fought (8) times in his first season as a Steeler, including fighting over the course of the season all four tough guys from the Nottingham Panthers Scott Allison, Dody Wood, Jason Clarke and Barry Nieckar. Darling also fought London's Dennis Maxwell twice and Gerad Adams. By the end of his first season with the Steelers Dion proved himself as not only one of the best stay at home D.men in the league but also one of the leagues tougher players, and he became a fan favorite in Sheffield.

Darling's second season with the Steelers was spent in the newly formed EIHL league 2003-2004. Steelers proved themselves again as the best team in the UK at this time, winning both the EIHL Championship, the Play-offs, and just missing out on the Challenge Cup losing in the final. Dion again lead their team in fights with (8) this season, including having a good three fight series in 03/04 with the Belfast Giants Paxton Schulte. Their first fight in Sheffield saw the Steelers tough guy getting the better of Paxton, leaving the Giants enforcer bloodied up from a cut above his right eye. Paxton won the 2nd fight in Belfast while the 3rd fight in Sheffield was a pretty even scrap. Darling also fought Robert Stancok, David Geris, Dwight Parrish, David Kozier and had a good scrap with the Panthers tough guy John Craighead in Sheffield.


2004-2005 and the Steelers dominance on the ice was brought to an end by the Coventry Blaze who won the Gland Slam of trophies in the EIHL that season. Darling only had four fights in 04/05 but was enough to lead a tame Steelers team in fighting majors that season. Although Darling only fought four times he took on some of the best the EIHL had to offer, including London's NHL lock-out enforcer and a guy many considered as the toughest guy in the NHL at that time Eric Cairns. Darling although he lost the fight put on a decent showing against the much bigger and tougher opponent. Darling also fought London's other enforcer and new to the league Jeremy Cornish in a close fight and finished having two scraps with Blaze's tough guy Andre Payette.


The Steelers fans were in for a shock at the start of the 2005-2006 season when it was announced the Dion Darling would be signing for and Captaining their rivals the Nottingham Panthers in 05/06. Darling season was plagued by injuries and he had just a few fights this season. He fought Edinburgh Capitals tough enforcer Freddy Oduya before dislocating his shoulder in a fight with London's Jeremy Cornish on Oct 22nd 2005. Dion's next fight that season was not until Feburary 2006 against the Vipers Andre Payette.


Dion Darling final two season's in the EIHL were spent in Cardiff with the Devils in 2006-2007 & 2007-2008. Dion only had a handful of fights as a Devils player in the 63 games he played for them, mainly due to the Devils having a certain Brad Voth in their roster who was the teams enforcer. Darling while a Devil, did fight and get the better of the Basingstoke Bison's Brad Cruikshank, Manchester Phoenix enforcer Robin Gomez and former NHL enforcer the Blaze's Rumun Ndur.


Dion ended his UK hockey career with a number of Championships under his belt and was reconsider as one of the best stay at home D.men in the UK at that time. He was also very tough and fought (28) times in the UK, and had over (100) career fights in North America. His fight card includes names like Wade Belak, Eric Cairns, Ryan VandenBussche, John Craighead, Peter Worrell, Shawn Thornton, Chris McAllister, Paxton Schulte, Dody Wood, Mel Angelstad, Paul Kruse, Frank Bialowas, Nathan Perrott, Scott Parker, Barry Nieckar, Fredrik Oduya, Jeremy Cornish, Andre Payette, Rumun Ndur, Robin Gomez, so although he was not always his teams main enforcer he was never afraid to step up and take that role when it was needed. Dion Darling is the latest name to join the EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS 'Hall of Fame'.


Here is some of Dion Darling's Career fight highlights.

















  

[oneillthegiant]

Clayon Norris .. Newcastle Riverkings 1999-2000, Cardiff Devils 2000-2001, Nottingham                                        Panthers 2001-2002 ..

Born Mar 8, 1972 Age 41
Daily, ALTA, Canada

Height 6'2'' (188 cm)
Weight 205 (93 kg)


Fight Card - dropyourgloves.com/Fights/FightCard.aspx?Player=5895


Titles
- Leagues leading player in penalty minutes (172) 99/00





Clayton Norris played four season's in the WHL as a Junior, picking up a reputation as tough no nonsense forward who could fight and also find the back of the net. In his five season's with the Medicine Hat Tigers from 1988 to 1993 Norris played in 319 games, scoring 90 goals and assisting in 109. He also had (891) penalty minutes and he led the Tigers in fighting majors in both 90/91 and 91/92. While in the WHL Norris had (78) fights and he was drafted by the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers in 1991, #116 overall.

Norris first full season as a Pro came in 1993-1994 with the Hershey Bears in the AHL. Norris rookie season saw him fighting (22) times with the Bears. Norris stayed in the Hershey for another two season's, leading the team in fighting majors in 1994-1995 with (26). He was also called up for the Pre-season games by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1995, where Norris had 5 fights.

Norris then left the AHL to join the Orlando Solar Bears in 1996-1997. Norris and the Bears other enforcer Barry Dreger helped the Solar Bears led the league in fighting majors this season, Norris posting (30) fights and also sitting in the penalty box for (261) minutes in 96/97. The following season 1997-1998 Norris split between the Solar Bears in the (IHL) and the St. John's Maple Leafs in the (AHL), before finishing his North American back with the Solar Bears in 1997-1998.

97/98 saw Norris posting a career high of (327) PIMS in 66 games, fighting (28) times in the tough IHL league. Over the course of his North American career Norris totaled (2484) PIMS and over (200) career fights. Here's just some of the top enforcers he fought Kerry Toporowski, Dody Wood, Frank Bialowas, Kerry Clark, Krzysztof Oliwa, Barry Nieckar, Sylvain Blouin, Eric Cairns, Reid Simpson, Serge Roberge, Steve McLaren, Dennis Bonvie, Georges Laraque, Dale Purinton, Dennis Vial, Mel Angelstad, Bill Huard, Ryan VandenBussche, while in N.A.  Norris was a fan favorite with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, and with both Hershey and Orlando.


Clayton Norris arrived in the UK in 1999-2000, playing for the Newcastle Riverkings. His first season with the North East team saw Norris posting (172) pims to lead the league in penalty minutes. Norris in his first season in the UK fought Mike Ware of the London Knights , Paxton Schulte of the Bracknell Bees, and Dennis Vial of the Sheffield Steelers.

Norris then moved to South Wales to join the Cardiff Devils in 2000-2001. He led the Devils in fighting majors that season with (10) and also lead the Devils in penalty minutes with (223), 4th overall in the ISL that season. Norris fought Ayr's enforcer Trevor Doyle a couple of times and also fought two former NHL enforcer's London's Bill Hurad and Dave Morrissette. Norris other fights in 00/01 were against Jason Bowen, Scott Allison, Brendan Yarema and Chris Brant.

Norris final season in the UK was spent with the Nottingham Panthers in 2001-2002. Norris and Barry Nieckar were the Panthers enforcers that season and both guys finished that season in the leagues top 3 for penalty minutes. Norris adding another (165) to his career total. Norris fought Belfast Giants players Jason Bowen, Paxton Schulte and Terran Sandwith beating both Bowen & Sandwith and having a good fight with the Giants enforcer Schulte in Nottingham. He also fought and beat Ayr's Cam Bristow and he hammered Ian Herbers later on in the season as well, Herbers refusing to fight back in that incident. 

Clayton Norris was one mean enforcer who could play to a decent standard as well. His career is littered with fights against some of the best guys in every league he played in, including here in the UK. Norris joins the EIHL.HOCKEYFIGHTS 'Hall of Fame'.


Here is some of Clayton Norris's Career fight highlights.