Former Edmonton Oiler Dave Semenko passes away at 59

When he was at the top of his game, Dave Semenko was not known for his speed, scoring touch or ability to find the open man.  Semenko’s reputation was cemented by his toughness when the National Hockey League was a different game than it is today.  And if you had a problem with any of the skilled players on those great Edmonton Oilers teams in the 1980’s you had a problem with him.

Today the league and the Oilers family are in mourning as the man better known as ‘Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard’ died at the age of 59. According to executive Kevin Lowe, Semenko was admitted to hospital just two weeks ago with liver & pancreatic cancer and passed away in the presence of family and friends.

The Winnipeg native began his pro career in 1977 with the Oilers when they played in the WHA. He followed with 11 years in that enforcer role and finished his career with 81 goals, 108 assists and 1,464 penalty minutes in both leagues with Edmonton, Hartford and Toronto. He lifted the Stanley Cup in 1984 and ’85.