Rob Ray Rule
What is used the Rob Ray Rule for in hockey?
What are the features of the Rob Ray Rule?
What is meant by the Rob Ray Rule in ice hockey?
Coined after the infamous Buffalo Sabres enforcer, the rule (Rule #56: Fisticuffs) states that a player shall receive a game misconduct if they engage in a fight and his jersey is not properly “tied-down” (a strap fastening the jersey to the pants), and loses his jersey (completely off his torso).
During fights, Ray’s jersey and shoulder pads would quickly be shed due to his opponent’s clutching and grabbing. This would result in his opponents no longer able to clutch and grab. This assisted Ray to control nearly every fight he was in. Fellow Sabre Brad May often employed this technique as well. As a result of this practice, the NHL created a new rule that specifically states that “a player who engages in fisticuffs and whose sweater is not properly ‘tied-down’ (jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his sweater (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct”.
Pundits saw this as a direct result of Rob Ray’s style of fighting, and nicknamed the rule the Rob Ray Rule. After the implementation of the “Rob Ray Rule”, Ray’s fighting prowess continued unabated, highlighted by lengthy and, at times, bitter rivalries with fellow NHL enforcers such as Tie Domi, Mick Vukota, Paul Laus, Jeff Odgers and Dennis Vial. He appeared in a This is Sportscenter commercial where he acts as security at the station and beats up a courier after he says he can’t show his ID.