Dave Semenko

Lore & Background

Semenko notably protected Wayne Gretzky as an 'on-ice bodyguard' during Gretzky's early career. He was the last player to score a goal in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before it folded and merged with the NHL. After retiring, he became a radio commentator of Oilers' games and served as an assistant coach and professional scout for the Oilers.

Reader's Guide

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 him to the Oilers before the 1977–78 season. He spent his first two professional years 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. When the Oilers joined the NHL, the Oilers traded draft picks to acquire his rights from the North Stars. He fought Muhammad Ali in an exhibition on June 12, 1983. After brief stops with the Hartford Whalers and Toronto Maple Leafs, he retired following the 1987–88 season. He finished his 575-game NHL career with 65 goals, 153 points, and 1,175 penalty minutes.

Did You Know?

• After Wayne Gretzky won a car as MVP of the 1983 NHL All-Star Game, he gifted it to Semenko as thanks for his on-ice protection.
• Semenko recorded 70 fights over his NHL career.