Having made his way onto the ice 535 times during his career, Dave Schultz has a +/- of 41 during those contests. With a career points mark of 200, he has also accounted for a shooting percentage of 12.3%. Over the course of his NHL career, he has amassed 79 goals on 642 shots at the net. Dave Schultz has taken care of his team 121 times with an assist, but he has impaired his team by spending 2,292 minutes in the sin bin.
He has taken 0 shots and sports an average of 0.0 pts per contest during his 0 times he’s taken the ice. Schultz hasn’t spent any time in the sin bin and he hasn’t scored a goal yet for the year. Schultz has earned a +/- of 0 while having 0 points. He has amassed 0 apples and he also has earned a shooting % of 0.0%.
Dave Schultz, often known as “The Hammer,” is a name that resonates with fans of hockey, especially those familiar with the Philadelphia Flyers’ storied history. Known for his gritty playing style and tough persona, Schultz’s career in the National Hockey League (NHL) was marked by his role as an enforcer, a player who was not afraid to drop the gloves and defend his teammates. In this article, we delve into Dave Schultz’s NHL career, examining his stats, contributions to the game, and lasting impact on hockey history.
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Early Life and Entry into the NHL
Dave Schultz was born on October 14, 1949, in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Canada. Growing up in Canada, hockey was a natural part of his life from a young age. Schultz honed his skills on the ice and eventually caught the attention of NHL scouts with his robust playing style and ability to protect his teammates.
Joining the Philadelphia Flyers
Schultz’s NHL career began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft, selected in the fifth round, 52nd overall. He joined the team during the 1971-1972 season, quickly becoming an integral part of the Flyers’ lineup. The early 1970s were a period of transformation for the Flyers, who were building a reputation for their aggressive style of play, later known as the “Broad Street Bullies.”
Schultz’s Role as an Enforcer
During his time with the Flyers, Schultz became renowned for his role as an enforcer. In hockey, an enforcer is a player who responds to rough play and protects teammates by engaging in fights with opponents. Schultz excelled in this role, using his physical presence to intimidate and deter other teams.
Notable Achievements and Statistics
Schultz’s NHL career spanned from 1971 to 1980, during which he played for several teams, including the Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. However, his most memorable years were with the Flyers, where he contributed significantly to the team’s success.
- 1972-73 Season: Schultz played 76 games, scoring 20 goals and accumulating 348 penalty minutes, showcasing his dual ability to score and enforce.
- 1973-74 Season: Schultz’s contributions helped the Flyers secure their first Stanley Cup Championship. He led the league with an astounding 348 penalty minutes.
- 1974-75 Season: Schultz and the Flyers repeated their success, capturing another Stanley Cup. He set an NHL record with 472 penalty minutes in a single season, a record that still stands today.
Career Stats Overview
Throughout his NHL career, Schultz played in 535 regular-season games, recording 79 goals, 121 assists, and 2,294 penalty minutes. His aggressive style and willingness to stand up for teammates made him a beloved figure among Flyers fans and a feared opponent on the ice.
Legacy and Impact on Hockey
Dave Schultz’s impact on hockey extends beyond his stats and penalty minutes. He played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Philadelphia Flyers during the 1970s, contributing to their reputation as a tough, hard-hitting team. His style of play influenced the role of enforcers in the NHL, emphasizing the importance of physicality and protection in the game.
The Broad Street Bullies Era
The “Broad Street Bullies” era of the Flyers, characterized by aggressive and physical play, is often associated with Schultz. This period in Flyers history saw the team become a dominant force in the NHL, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups and cementing their place in hockey lore. Schultz’s contributions as an enforcer were integral to this success, making him a key figure in the team’s history.
Post-Retirement and Influence
After retiring from professional hockey, Schultz remained involved in the sport, occasionally participating in alumni games and charity events. His legacy as one of the most formidable enforcers in NHL history continues to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion
Dave Schultz’s NHL career is a testament to the impact an enforcer can have on a hockey team. His dedication to protecting his teammates and his willingness to engage in physical play helped define the Philadelphia Flyers during the “Broad Street Bullies” era. With impressive stats, including a record-setting number of penalty minutes, Schultz’s contributions to the game of hockey are undeniable. His legacy as “The Hammer” endures, reminding fans of a time when toughness and grit were essential components of the game.
Through his career, Dave Schultz left an indelible mark on the NHL, and his story continues to inspire new generations of hockey players and fans alike.