Taming The Hockey Enforcer with Chris “Knuckles” Nilan

Hockey to some is all about fighting. At times hockey seems like a game of rockem sockem robots. The arena resounds with loud cheers from spectators when players drop the gloves and a fight eclipses the excitement of scoring a goal. Many players over the years have donned the role of the enforcers, protectors and on ice cops. Their role is to take someone out if they crossed the line with a team mate. But it comes at a cost which is paid by the player himself. The young guy, who played hockey really well as a Junior at fifteen to nineteen years of age, is expected to take the hits for his team mates, the management, the owners and the national hockey leagues. Chasing the dream of being a good player and team mate leads to stress, physical pain, and depression. Unrealistic expectation leads down a path of drugs, dependence, regret, family break-down and, ultimately, in some cases to death.Chris is one of only nine players in NHL history to have recorded more than 3,000 career penalty minutes. Retired enforcer Chris “Knuckles” Nilan’s hands are scarred, battered and tough-as-nails. Those are hands that have touched up more faces than a photographic editor. Join me to talk with Chris Nilan when he tells his side of the story about how it feels to be known as one of the most feared hockey enforcers in the NHL. Drop the gloves and let’s go in conversation with Chris on Wednesday February 13th @ 7PM at BEYONDtheCheers on blogtalkradio. Dial-in TOLL FREE 1-877-357-2448 in Canada and United States to ask a question and talk with us or e-mail in advance.