Joey Kocur is one of those names that still strikes fear in opponents, even though he retired years ago. During his 15 seasons in the NHL, Kocur fought all of the toughest players of that era—often more than once. One time, a doctor tried to talk him out of fighting, but Kocur had the perfect seven-word answer…
Joey Kocur is known to most as one of the toughest guys of his era. Racking up 2,519 penalty minutes in 820 games, Kocur put fear into every one of his opponents, even inspiring the saying, “When Joey hits people, they stay hit.”
Won three Stanley Cups
Despite his reputation as a tough guy, he was a beloved teammate who won three Stanley Cups. His first came when the New York Rangers brought him in during their quest that ended with their 1994 Cup run. After that, Kocur returned to the Detroit Red Wings, where he won two more Cups in 1997 and 1998. But back in 1990, a doctor tried to persuade him to stop fighting.
Joey Kocur’s seven word response
At just 26 years old, Kocur had already injured his hands several times in brutal fights, leaving him with big scars and heavy scar tissue. Doctors told him he could expect arthritis and calcium deposits in his hands due to the repeated trauma, according to Puckstruck. But Joey, the fighter he was, simply replied with seven unforgettable words:
“Put it this way, I’ll never play piano.”
Joey Kocur went on to play for another nine years, retiring at 35.
What a legend!
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