Bolts Brawlers: In This Corner, Rudy Poeschek

Lightning V Penguins

As a hockey player, Rudy Poeschek was not only tough physically, he also possessed a steel clad mind set geared towards attaining a career in pro hockey. He had only limited hockey skills at best, but was a fearless fighter who could absorb setbacks like Chuvalo took punches.

He played his junior hockey for the Kamloops Blazers from 1983 to 1987. Along the way, he was drafted 238th overall by the New York Rangers. It was a long way down the line, but Poeschek was willing to wait. He got in one game with the Rangers during his first pro campaign — like smelling the coffee as it was poured into the machine.

The next year, he picked up 52 games and a chance to measure his fists against the heavyweights of the league. He held his own quite well, but was again sent to the minors where he bounced around, picking up a few more games with the Rangers and later, the Winnipeg Jets before heading back to the AHL for two more seasons.

In 1993-94, however, the Tampa Bay Lightning were in need of some punch. They finally rewarded Poeschek for his years of patience, strapping on a holster and setting him loose on the league. As such, any liberties taken against Lightning players were settled by Poeschek who, between bouts, even managed to score his first five NHL goals over his four years with the club.

In 1997, the fan favorite was traded to the St. Louis Blues where he continued as an enforcer for three more seasons before heading to the minors with the Worcester Ice Cats of the AHL and the Houston Aeros of the IHL. – HHOF

In August 2014, Poeschek was charged with assault, driving while prohibited and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle after an alleged incident that took place in Kamloops, BC in July 2014. He was sentenced to 45 days in prison, had to pay a $1,500 fine, and is subject to a six month conditional sentence order that includes a ban on both driving and drinking.

Bolts Brawlers: In This Corner, Rudy Poeschek
1 Nov 1995: Defenseman Rudy Poeschek of the Tampa Bay Lightning (left) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Chris Tamer fight during a game at the Igloo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pengiuins won the game, 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger

Poeschek ‘s Pugilistic Pursuits

Rudy Poeschek vs Bob Probert Feb 2, 1994

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aHEd60faeI&w=560&h=315]

Rudy Poeschek vs Mike Peluso Dec 1, 1995

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpEmX9uqxpE&w=560&h=315]

Rudy Poeschek Fight Compilation

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgyw8r0cTXs&w=560&h=315]

Rudy Poeschek vs Marty McSorley

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmo71PT4wHM&w=560&h=315]
Rudy Poeschek
Defense
Born Sep 29 1966  -- Terrace, BC 
Height 6.02 -- Weight 208 -- Shoots R

Selected by New York Rangers round 12 #238 overall 1985 NHL Entry Draft

                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----
Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982-83  Vernon Lakers               BCJHL  54    4   10   14  100
1983-84  Kamloops Junior Oilers      WHL    47    3    9   12   93   8   0   2   2   7
1984-85  Kamloops Blazers            WHL    34    6    7   13  100  15   0   3   3  56
1985-86  Kamloops Blazers            WHL    32    3   13   16   92  16   3   7  10  40
1986-87  Kamloops Blazers            WHL    54   13   18   31  153  13   1   4   5  39
1987-88  New York Rangers            NHL     1    0    0    0    2  --  --  --  --  --
1987-88  Colorado Rangers            IHL    82    7   31   38  210  12   2   2   4  31
1988-89  New York Rangers            NHL    52    0    2    2  199  --  --  --  --  --
1988-89  Denver Rangers              IHL     2    0    0    0    6  --  --  --  --  --
1989-90  New York Rangers            NHL    15    0    0    0   55  --  --  --  --  --
1989-90  Flint Spirits               IHL    38    8   13   21  109   4   0   0   0  16
1990-91  Binghamton Rangers          AHL    38    1    3    4  162  --  --  --  --  --
1990-91  Moncton Hawks               AHL    23    2    4    6   67   9   1   1   2  41
1990-91  Winnipeg Jets               NHL     1    0    0    0    5  --  --  --  --  --
1991-92  Winnipeg Jets               NHL     4    0    0    0   17  --  --  --  --  --
1991-92  Moncton Hawks               AHL    63    4   17   21  170  11   0   2   2  46
1992-93  St. John's Maple Leafs      AHL    78    7   24   31  189   9   0   4   4  13
1993-94  Tampa Bay Lightning         NHL    71    3    6    9  118  --  --  --  --  --
1994-95  Tampa Bay Lightning         NHL    25    1    1    2   92  --  --  --  --  --
1995-96  Tampa Bay Lightning         NHL    57    1    3    4   88   3   0   0   0  12
1996-97  Tampa Bay Lightning         NHL    60    0    6    6  120  --  --  --  --  --
1997-98  St. Louis Blues             NHL    50    1    7    8   64   2   0   0   0   6
1998-99  St. Louis Blues             NHL    16    0    0    0   33  --  --  --  --  --
1999-00  Houston Aeros               IHL    32    2    6    8   51  --  --  --  --  --
1999-00  St. Louis Blues             NHL    12    0    0    0   24  --  --  --  --  --
1999-00  Worcester IceCats           AHL     5    0    0    0    4  --  --  --  --  --
2000-01  Houston Aeros               IHL    67    3   13   16   66   7   0   0   0   8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         NHL Totals                        364    6   25   31  817   5   0   0   0  18

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