Rick Tocchet is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 18 seasons. He was known for his physical play and scoring ability, and was a key player on several successful teams throughout his career.
Tocchet began his NHL career in 1984 with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he quickly established himself as a tough and skilled forward. He played for the Flyers for eight seasons, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1987 and 1997. Tocchet was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992, where he played alongside superstars Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. He helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 1992, and was a key player on the team for several seasons.
After leaving the Penguins in 1994, Tocchet played for several other teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. He continued to be a productive player throughout his career, scoring over 400 goals and 900 points in over 1,100 games.
In addition to his playing career, Tocchet also served as an assistant coach for several NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Arizona Coyotes. He was also the head coach of the Coyotes from 2017 to 2021, leading the team to the playoffs in 2019-20.
Off the ice, Tocchet was involved in a major gambling scandal in the late 1990s, which resulted in him being suspended from the NHL for two years. He later returned to the league and continued his successful career as a player and coach.
Overall, Rick Tocchet was a highly respected and successful player in the NHL, known for his toughness, scoring ability, and leadership. He was a key player on several championship teams, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
🏒