The Hoss Hall of Fame is an elite group of honoured Hosses who have powered their way through hockey with hard hits, thrilling fights, and offensive flair to be the complete package.
Gary Roberts is a scary, scary man and an easy selection for the Hoss Hall of Fame. Roberts was a tough kid who played hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the summer growing up in southern Ontario. Known for intensity, Roberts was a leader on any team he played for and could spark the team with a big hit, a clutch goal or a motivating fight. Some might say, he was too much man.
After a few seasons in the league, Roberts wasn't just a guy that would hit and fight - he became a sniper and one of the top scorers on the Flames. During the 1991-92 season, Roberts had his best season in the NHL scoring 53 goals and racking up a career high 90 points on the season. He also still chipped in with 207 penalty minutes (despite only 5 recorded fights that season). Stats like that have fantasy hockey GMs drooling.

Roberts would return to hockey the following season after feeling much better and working on his neck strength. He decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes and put up a solid 49 points in 61 games. After three seasons with the Canes, Roberts signed in Toronto and right away became a fan favourite with his rough and tumble style of play. He still had his scoring touch and scored 28 goals his first season and I will always remember his overtime winner against the Senators in triple overtime.
Roberts stayed with the Leafs for four seasons before short stops with the Panthers, Penguins and the Lightning and eventually calling it a career at the age of 42 in 2009. Gary didn't stay out of the game long and started training other NHLers with his extreme diets and workout techniques. His results are proven by Steven Stamkos and he has become one of the most desired trainer's for hockey players and other athletes.
Roberts was a true Hoss on the ice and would never back down from anyone, even when he was in his older years. But he could also score big goals and had a nose for the net. He scored 20 or more goals 13 times in his career and if it wasn't for some serious injuries Roberts would have came pretty close to netting 500 career goals. In 1224 games Roberts finished with 438 goals and 909 points and sits comfortably at 19th on the all time penalty list with 2560 PIMs.
Loved when he fought Eager and beat the shit out of him! I think Laraque chirped Eager hard for that one from the bench too.
ReplyDeleteGary is a beast.
ReplyDeleteThe way the NHL is changing their rules there will be less and less rough and tumble players like him.
I remember when he came back in 96 and everyone though he had been paralysed. Can't imagine how hard he worked.
ReplyDeletegood induction boys.
ReplyDeleteRoberts reminds me of a smaller Lucic and a slighty more talented Brendan Morrow.
ReplyDeleteI was at the game when he scored the OT winner against the Sens in triple overtime.
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