Dave Semenko

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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. He scored the final goal in WHA history in game six of the 1979 Avco Cup Final, which the Oilers lost to the Winnipeg Jets. When the Oilers joined the NHL, Semenko's rights were retained by the North Stars. The Oilers traded their second- and third-round draft picks in the 1979 NHL entry draft to acquire his rights from the North Stars, who then drafted future United States Hockey Hall of Famer Neal Broten. The trade also gave the Oilers a third-round pick, which was used to select future Oilers 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.

In Their Own Story

On June 12, 1983, Semenko stepped into an exhibition ring to fight boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The match lasted three rounds and was officially declared a draw, though the Associated Press reported that Ali was not seriously trying and was merely 'toying' with the hockey player. On the ice, his role was defined by protection rather than scoring; he recorded 70 fights over his career. His time as Gretzky's protector ended when he was traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1986. After brief stops there and with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Semenko retired following the 1987–88 season, finishing with 65 goals, 153 points, and 1,175 penalty minutes in 575 NHL games.

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.

Did You Know?

• Semenko scored the final goal in WHA history in game six of the 1979 Avco Cup Final.
• He fought Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match on June 12, 1983, which was officially a draw.
• Wayne Gretzky gifted Semenko a car after winning the MVP of the 1983 NHL All-Star game.