Marty McSorley, a Canadian-born ice hockey player, is best remembered for his role as an enforcer in the National Hockey League (NHL). His career began when he was signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins as an undrafted free agent in 1982. However, it wasn't until he joined the Edmonton Oilers in 1985 that he started gaining attention. McSorley played a crucial role in protecting star players like Wayne Gretzky, which was a common practice in the NHL during that era. His physical style of play and willingness to engage in fights made him a valuable asset to the team.
During his time with the Oilers, McSorley was part of two Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1987 and 1988. His role was primarily defensive, and he was known for his tough, gritty play on the ice. In 1988, McSorley was traded to the Los Angeles Kings along with Wayne Gretzky, a move that significantly boosted the popularity of hockey in Southern California. With the Kings, McSorley continued to serve as an enforcer, providing protection for Gretzky and other skilled players on the team.
McSorley's tenure with the Kings was marked by both team success and personal challenges. The Kings reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993, but they were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens. During the series, McSorley was involved in a controversial incident where he was penalized for using an illegal stick, which some believe shifted the momentum in favor of the Canadiens. Despite this setback, McSorley remained a key player for the Kings throughout the early 1990s.
In 1993, McSorley was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but his time there was short-lived. He returned to the Kings in 1994, where he continued to play until 1996. After leaving the Kings, McSorley had brief stints with the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks. In 1998, he returned to the Edmonton Oilers for a season before being traded to the Boston Bruins.
McSorley's career took a dramatic turn in 2000 during a game against the Vancouver Canucks. He was involved in an on-ice incident where he struck Donald Brashear in the head with his stick, leading to a severe concussion for Brashear. This incident resulted in McSorley being suspended for the remainder of the season and ultimately led to criminal charges. He was found guilty of assault with a weapon, marking a controversial end to his NHL career.
Throughout his career, McSorley was known for his physicality and his role as a protector of his teammates.
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