Mats Sundin was one of the best players in the world for many years. For most of his career, he had protection from one of the most renowned fighters in NHL history, in the form of Tie Domi.
Thanks to Domi’s constant protection on the ice, the toughest guys usually kept a distance from Sundin, fearing what Domi would do to them in revenge.
Tie Domi and Mats Sundin weren’t just teammates; they became friends for life. Today, Tie Domi’s son, Max Domi, plays in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Max and Mats also became great friends, and when the Toronto Maple Leafs were in Stockholm for the NHL Global Series 2023, what Max looked forward to the most was seeing Mats again.
”I’m seeing him this weekend. I can’t wait. It’s been a while since I saw him, Josephine, and the kids,” Domi said.
Max Domi claimed he has a lot to thank Mats for and that he’s the player he is today because of him.
”It’s someone I grew up with, who I’ve idolized all my life. I’ve learned a lot from him, both on and off the ice. He means a lot to me and my family,” Domi said.
Tie Domi is the player with the most penalty minutes in Toronto’s history, and on the NHL’s all-time chart, he ranks third. He ranks 1st for most major penalty minutes for fighting.
”Hey, listen, my dad was a pretty good player too … But I think that their relationship off the ice speaks volumes about their chemistry on the ice. My dad always had Mats’ back, and vice versa. They’re still close friends, and it’s great to see.”
Max Domi has said in earlier interviews that he, for a long time, thought it was normal to have a dad who was best friends with one of the NHL’s biggest stars.
There are so many stories about Tie and Mats’ friendship. Max Domi remembers how Mats always was there for him and his family when he was young.
”There’s so many stories. He came to many of my games when I was a kid. To look over the shoulder and see Mats Sundin in the stands with my dad when I was 8-9 years old. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
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READ MORE: That time Tie Domi ended up in the back of a cop car after fighting a giant chicken at the rink
