4. Gump Worsley
Another legendary goaltender from a bygone era, Lorne “Gump” Worsley, might have seemed like a jovial figure with his famous quips and often bewildered expression. However, beneath that facade lay a fiercely competitive spirit and a surprising willingness to engage in fisticuffs. Worsley was known for his quick temper and his refusal to be intimidated, despite his smaller stature.
Worsley accumulated 157 penalty minutes over his long and illustrious career, which is significant for a goalie of his time. He was involved in numerous skirmishes, often surprising opponents who underestimated his feistiness. He was a master of the stick-to-the-ribs and the quick jab, always ready to defend his crease.
Perhaps his most famous moment of aggression came in a playoff game against the Boston Bruins, where he engaged in a wild brawl with Bruins forward Derek Sanderson, a renowned tough guy. Worsley, despite being significantly smaller, held his own, much to the delight of Canadiens fans.
Henri Richard, Worsley’s teammate with the Montreal Canadiens, fondly recalled: “Gump was small, but he had the heart of a lion. He hated being pushed around. If you went in his crease, you knew you were going to get a whack, and if you pushed it too far, he wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves. He always surprised people.” Worsley proved that even a “Gump” could be a formidable and nasty opponent.
