Tony Twist is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was known for his physical style of play and his ability to fight on the ice. Twist began his hockey career in the minor leagues, playing for teams such as the Peoria Rivermen and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.
In 1988, Twist was signed by the Quebec Nordiques, but he only played a handful of games for the team before being traded to the St. Louis Blues. It was with the Blues that Twist made a name for himself as an enforcer, or a player whose primary role is to protect his teammates by fighting opponents.
Twist played for the Blues for seven seasons, from 1990 to 1997. During that time, he became one of the most feared fighters in the league, known for his powerful punches and his willingness to take on anyone who challenged him. He was also a solid player on the ice, scoring 21 goals and 39 assists in his career.
After leaving the Blues, Twist played for the Quebec Nordiques (who had since become the Colorado Avalanche) and the Los Angeles Kings. He retired from professional hockey in 1999, having played in 445 NHL games and racking up 1,147 penalty minutes.
Twist's career was not without controversy. In 1997, he was sued by former NHL player and coach Doug MacLean, who claimed that Twist had injured him in a fight during a game in 1996. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court. Twist was also involved in a high-profile incident in 1998, when he was accused of assaulting a man outside a St. Louis bar. He was acquitted of the charges, but the incident tarnished his reputation.
Despite the controversies, Twist remains a beloved figure among hockey fans, particularly in St. Louis, where he is remembered as one of the toughest players to ever wear a Blues jersey. He has also become a popular figure in the entertainment world, appearing in movies such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "The Mighty Ducks."
Today, Twist is retired from hockey and lives in his hometown of Sherwood Park, Alberta. He remains involved in the sport, coaching youth hockey teams and participating in charity events. His legacy as one of the NHL's most feared enforcers is secure, and he will always be remembered as a player who was willing to do whatever it took to protect his teammates and win on the ice.
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