NHL players who gained more fame after retirement?

[Snap]

I was watching Biz on the TNT broadcast a few days ago and a thought passed by my mind that aside from knowing he was a fighter in his playing days, I had no clue he existed during a big portion of his career. The twitter shenanigans aside, he never really stood out on ice from his fighting skill or anything else.

After his retirement he exploded in fame with being one of the Coyotes colour commentators, joining Spittin Chiclets, and being on the TNT panel alongside Wayne Gretzky, Anson Carter and Rick Tocchet. It got me thinking if any other player in the league which was ultimately forgettable with his time on the ice had a boost in fame quite like Biz?

 

[9911]

PJ Stock. Only slightly more memorable as a broadcaster than a player.

 

[abax44]

Happy Gilmore got famous after giving up hockey.

 

[Megustaelhockey]

Most of the best coaches, honestly.

 

[Bandit]

Yes this thread should be renamed “The BizNasty Memorial Award”.

 

[Chootoi]

not that PK was some scrub, but he’s routinely on with Stephen A Smith and McAfee etc. which are massive shows. More people would know him from that now I feel than his playing days.

Don Cherry would technically be another.

 

[Hennessy]

Tim Horton.

*ducks*

 

[Rodgerwilco]

Maybe Ryan Whitney? His vodka brand Pink Whitney is pretty popular with a lot of women especially. Not sure how many actually know him though.

 

[NVious]

I could see JT Miller being voted the sexiest man alive and winning an Oscar and Golden Globe

 

[Team_Spirit]

Random fans never believe Bruce was a player. 141 games.

 

[Herby]

Nate Thompson was an average 4th liner in the NHL, but has found a bit of fame from hooking up with a bunch of C level celebs.

Dollar Store Jeter.

 

[Djp]

I was watching Biz on the TNT broadcast a few days ago and a thought passed by my mind that aside from knowing he was a fighter in his playing days, I had no clue he existed during a big portion of his career. The twitter shenanigans aside, he never really stood out on ice from his fighting skill or anything else.

After his retirement he exploded in fame with being one of the Coyotes colour commentators, joining Spittin Chiclets, and being on the TNT panel alongside Wayne Gretzky, Anson Carter and Rick Tocchet. It got me thinking if any other player in the league which was ultimately forgettable with his time on the ice had a boost in fame quite like Biz?

For most it would be from media…TV or radio. Others — it could be from their spouse.

BIZ also works for Rogers in nhl coverage.
In sports many coaches aren’t superstar/HOF players.

Many of those who go into media were good interviewers as players

 

[Toby91ca]

Random fans never believe Bruce was a player. 141 games.

View attachment 1008594

Big time scorer in the AHL, over 300 goals I think and around 800pts in just over 600 games

 

[brentashton]

Random fans never believe Bruce was a player. 141 games.

View attachment 1008594

And a role in Slapshot (no, not the guy that pissed himself in the corner).

 

[Djp]

Look at who your local broadcast color commentators are — many are former players but they generally were not stars. Some might have been popular with the local fans.

 

[Based Anime Fan]

Look at who your local broadcast color commentators are — many are former players but they generally were not stars. Some might have been popular with the local fans.

Doesn't Florida still have Potvin? He was def. a star in his career.

 

[Doomhammer]

Coaches/GMs are the big ones I think.

Quinn, Bowman, Quenneville, Holland, Rutherford, etc... although some have only a couple games.

Maybe anyone with a trophy (Rocket Richard).

Tim Horton is probably my favorite answer here.

 

[Masked]

Bill Barilko

 

[S E P H]

Darren Panger.

 

[snipes]

Luke Gazdic

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Tim Horton.

*ducks*

...welcome to the Hall of Fame, Mr. Horton...and could I get a large Double Double and a 20 pack of TimBits, please??...

 

[jetsforever]

Obviously for terrible reasons but Kivlenieks

 

[alko]

Boris Valabik.

At least in Slovakia.

He played some games in NHL, but he made his name as a color commentator. Then he was in reality show Dancing with the stars, he made some advertising and there was a time, you saw him everywhere.

In this video you can see, how he destroyed a TV career from ice-hockey guru Igor Toth. After this Toth was never ever invited to studio...

 

[johan f]

Borje Salming. He built a brand just like Bjorn Borg did. Manufactor of sportsgear and clothes. While he played mostly sportsfans knew about him but after career he became just as famous as A-listers, royal family etc.

 

[MetalheadPenguinsFan]

Eddie Shack??