That’s Dirty

From TSN:

Chris Pronger and Steve Ott are the dirtiest players in the National Hockey League, according to a survey of their fellow players.

A Sports Illustrated poll of 324 players that is to appear in this week’s issue has Anaheim Ducks defenceman Pronger and Dallas Stars forward Ott in a tie, each chosen by 13 per cent of their peers.

Jarkko Ruutu of the Ottawa Senators was third at 12 per cent, with Sean Avery of the New York Rangers fourth at 10 per cent, followed by Scott Hartnell of the Philadelphia Flyers at five per cent.

Read the entire story here.

just passing this along.  Most hockey fans already know that Pronger and Ott are considered dirty players and to say Avery and Ruutu are a surprise would be ridiculous.  Hartnell’s name surprises me just a tad, but his reckless style and consistent penalty taking makes his presence on this list understandable.  To me, it is Pronger’s name on this list that is interesting because he is far and away the most effective hockey player of the five.  Pronger, unlike the other players who try and anger the opposition, seems to use his dirtiness to his advantage when he plays defense.  His stick and body presence are an intimidating factor for opposing players and he creates more space because of it.