About Dave Schultz

Before Dave Schultz acquired his reputation as one of the hardest-hitting and most respected enforcers in the NHL, he was a quiet, shy kid from Saskatchewan who dreamed of being a hockey player. Through a regimen of hard work and positive visualization, he learned how to be a more aggressive player and to overcome his pacifist tendencies (which, he quickly realized, would probably not serve him well in the NHL).

Working up through the ranks of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and the Philadelphia Flyers farm system, Schultz earned a reputation as a hard worker and talented enforcer. In 1972 he played his first game as left-winger for the Flyers, already having earned a few records for penalty minutes before ever stepping on the ice in an NHL game. Within his rookie season, he scored 9 goals, 12 assists, and earned a then league-record 259 minutes in the penalty box.

The Hammer is most famous for his presence on the Stanley Cup winning 1973-74 and 1974-75 Philadelphia Flyers. It was during these productive years in Philadelphia that he set the still-standing record for the most penalty minutes in one season, earning 472 minutes during the '73-'74 season. As his style of play (and of fighting) came together, Schultz became a valuable part of a team that included the likes of Bobby Clarke, Bob Kelly, and Don Saleski. The skills he honed as a Flyer made him a valuable acquisition to other teams looking for a veteran player with enough personality and grit to rally a flagging club.

For these reasons, Schultz later found a home with the LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins (where he led the league in penalty minutes), and Buffalo Sabres, before closing out his career with the Rochester Americans in the AHL. During his time as a hockey player, The Hammer earned 2294 regular season penalty minutes, scored 79 goals, and 121 assists, and an additional 412 PIM, 8 goals, and 12 assists in his playoff games.

Currently Dave Schultz resides outside of Philadelphia where he devotes his time to public speaking about his experiences as a hockey player. For more information about his public speaking subjects and engagements, or to hire The Hammer as speaker for your next event, please check the Appearances page.

Check out Dave's stats at the Internet Hockey Database by clicking here.