Dave Semenko

The enforcer who protected Gretzky.

David John Semenko (July 12, 1957 – June 29, 2017) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, coach, scout, and colour commentator. During his National Hockey League (NHL) career, Semenko played for the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers and Toronto Maple Leafs as an enforcer. During his tenure with Edmonton, he notably protected Wayne Gretzky as an "on-ice bodyguard" during Gretzky's early career. Semenko won two Stanley Cups with the Oilers in 1984 and 1985.

Quick Facts

Born

12 July 1957

Birthplace

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Died

29 June 2017

Place of death

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Position

Left wing

Shoots

Left

Played for

Edmonton Oilers
Hartford Whalers
Toronto Maple Leafs

Draft

25th overall

Lore & Background

Semenko played junior hockey for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He was originally selected 25th overall in 1977 by the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL and the Houston Aeros of the WHA. The Aeros traded Semenko to the Oilers just before their 1977–78 season. He spent his first two professional years as a member of the Oilers in the WHA before the NHL–WHA merger.

When the Oilers joined the NHL, Semenko's rights were retained by the North Stars. The Oilers traded their second-round pick and a third-round pick in the 1979 NHL entry draft to acquire his rights from the North Stars; the North Stars used the second-round pick to draft future United States Hockey Hall of Famer Neal Broten. The Oilers used their own third-round pick (69th overall) to select future superstar and Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier.

An acknowledged enforcer, Semenko was Wayne Gretzky's "on-ice bodyguard" early in Gretzky's career in Edmonton, beginning in the WHA in 1978 and ending when Semenko was traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1986. Semenko is considered one of the toughest players ever in the NHL. After Gretzky won a car for being chosen as the MVP of the 1983 NHL All-Star game, he gifted the car to Semenko to show his appreciation for his on-ice work. Semenko fought boxing legend Muhammad Ali in an exhibition on June 12, 1983.

The match was officially a draw after going three rounds, but the Associated Press reported Ali was not seriously trying and was just toying with Semenko. After brief stops with the Hartford Whalers and Toronto Maple Leafs, Semenko retired following the 1987–88 season. He finished his 575-game NHL career with 65 goals, 153 points, and 1,175 penalty minutes. Semenko also recorded 70 fights over his career.

Reader's Guide

After retiring, Semenko became a colour commentator on Oilers radio broadcasts and was an assistant coach with the Oilers during the 1996–97 season. He also served as a professional scout for the team from 1997 until 2015. Semenko died on June 29, 2017, at the age of 59, shortly after being diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer. His funeral was held at Rogers Place in Edmonton.