Grinder (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

The term 'grinder' describes a player who excels at 'grinding along the boards' through physical forechecking. While often a player of lesser offensive skills, this is not always the case; Bobby Clarke of the Philadelphia Flyers was a highly productive offensive player despite being considered a grinder. A grinder is distinguished from an 'enforcer'—while most grinders will fight, some do not, and the term refers specifically to a style of defensive hockey within the rules. The phrase 'mucker and a grinder' is sometimes used for emphasis, with 'mucker' largely synonymous with 'grinder'.

Reader's Guide

The grinder role is considered essential to a balanced hockey team, as it is commonly believed that a good team needs a mix of scoring stars and grinders. The importance of the grinder is illustrated by the roles Bobby Clarke and Mike Eruzione played in their countries' victories over the offensively-skilled Soviet Union national team—Clarke in the 1972 Super Series and Eruzione as captain in the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Clarke's late-career receipt of the Selke Trophy as best defensive forward further underscores the value of the grinder's defensive contributions. In 2012, The Hockey News recognized Dave Bolland of the Chicago Blackhawks as the 'Best Grinder', highlighting the ongoing recognition of this player type.

Did You Know?

• Dave Bolland was named 'Best Grinder' by The Hockey News in 2012.
• Bobby Clarke, a Hall of Fame inductee, was considered a grinder despite being a highly productive offensive player.
• Bobby Clarke and Mike Eruzione played major roles in their countries' victories over the Soviet Union.