Dave Semenko

David John Semenko (July 12, 1957 – June 29, 2017) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, coach, scout, and colour commentator. During his National Hockey League (NHL) career, Semenko played for the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers and Toronto Maple Leafs as an enforcer. During his tenure with Edmonton, he notably protected Wayne Gretzky as an "on-ice bodyguard" during Gretzky's early career. Semenko won two Stanley Cups with the Oilers in 1984 and 1985. He was also the last player to score a goal in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before it folded and merged with the NHL.

Following his retirement as a player, he became a radio commentator of Oilers' games. Semenko died on June 29, 2017, from liver and pancreatic cancer.

Career 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 World Hockey Association (WHA).

The Aeros traded Semenko to the Oilers just before their 1977–78 season. 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. 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. 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. Semenko also recorded 70 fights over his career. He also served as a professional scout for the team from 1997 until 2015. His funeral was held at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Career statistics Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1974–75 Brandon Travellers MJHL 42 11 17 28 55 — — — — — 1974–75 Brandon Wheat Kings WCHL 12 2 1 3 12 4 0 0 0 0 1975–76 Brandon Wheat Kings WCHL 72 8 5 13 194 5 0 0 0 0 1976–77 Brandon Wheat Kings WCHL 61 27 33 60 265 16 3 4 7 61 1977–78 Brandon Wheat Kings WCHL 7 10 5 15 40 — — — — — 1977–78 Edmonton Oilers WHA 65 6 6 12 140 5 0 0 0 8 1978–79 Edmonton Oilers WHA 77 10 14 24 158 11 4 2 6 29 1979–80 Edmonton Oilers NHL 67 6 7 13 135 3 0 0 0 2 1980–81 Edmonton Oilers NHL 58 11 8 19 80 8 0 0 0 5 1980–81 Wichita Wind CHL 14 1 2 3 40 — — — — — 1981–82 Edmonton Oilers NHL 59 12 12 24 194 4 0 0 0 2 1982–83 Edmonton Oilers NHL 75 12 15 27 141 15 1 1 2 69 1983–84 Edmonton Oilers NHL 52 6 11 17 118 16 5 5 10 44 1984–85 Edmonton Oilers NHL 69 6 12 18 172 14 0 0 0 39 1985–86 Edmonton Oilers NHL 69 6 12 18 141 6 0 0 0 32 1986–87 Edmonton Oilers NHL 5 0 0 0 0 — — — — — 1986–87 Hartford Whalers NHL 51 4 8 12 87 4 0 0 0 15 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 70 2 3 5 107 — — — — — WHA totals 142 16 20 36 298 16 4 2 6 37 NHL totals 575 65 88 153 1175 73 6 6 12 208

Awards and achievements 2x Stanley Cup Championships (1984 & 1985) Honoured Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame

Exhibition boxing record