When it comes to fighters in the NHL, few—if any—can match Tie Domi’s legendary status. During his 16 years in the league, Domi fought a league-high 333 times. He was absolutely fearless. But there was one person he actually did fear.
Unlike most NHL enforcers, Tie Domi was drafted as high as the second round by the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he would go on to become a legend. Over the course of his 1,020-game career, Domi scored more than 100 goals—but it was his fighting that made him truly iconic.
Faught taller guys every night
Domi ranks third among the most penalized players in NHL history, with 3,515 penalty minutes. However, he holds the top spot for fighting majors with 333, surpassing even notorious names like Tiger Williams and Bob Probert.
Standing at “just” 5’10”, Domi had to be truly fearless, as many of his opponents were significantly taller. But he was used to standing his ground from a young age. His father had taught him early on to always stand up to bullies.
“I was brought up not wanting to be picked on and taking care of my friends. I didn’t like my friends being bullied. I started looking out for them when I was 12. But I started fighting 20-year-olds when I was playing junior hockey at 14,” Domi told Curtis Russ in 2001.
Tie Domi feared one person
However, there was one person he truly did fear: his grandmother.
“My grandmother intimidated me. She was a tough, tough lady. As old as she was, it didn’t matter. When she got mad, she got mad. I think that’s where I got my mean streak. She was very special to me,” Domi recalls.
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