Don Jackson's Greatest Hits!

[srehm1]

You've got to love a willing battler like Don Jackson. He fought some pretty big names in his day and really made his mark in the old Battle of Alberta wars. Edmonton had dynastic ambitions and had to prove they were kings of their home province before they could take over the National Hockey League. The Oilers and Flames had become bitter rivals and each game against each other could become a real dog fight. Emotions often ran high in these contests and fights would break out and all out brawls would erupt.

During the 80’s, this rivalry really began to intensify. Both teams carried a cadre of ruthless henchmen to make sure decorum was maintained on the ice. The Flames enlisted the likes of Tim Hunter, Jim Peplinski, Gary Roberts, Paul Baxter, Doug Risebrough, Neil Sheehy, Joel Otto, Rob Ramage, and Dana Murzyn to handle the rough stuff. Even notable ruffians like Shane Churla and Nick Fotiu stopped by to help.

The Edmonton Oilers had a notorious crew of on ice pugilists as well. Such desperado's as Dave Semenko, Marty McSorley, Jeff Beukeboom, Steve Smith, Lee Fogolin, Kevin McClelland, and rat like creatures like Esa Tikkanen and Ken Linseman.

However, no soldier did more in this war than Don Jackson. The original “Don” made waves the moment he entered the league. Taking on all customers and fighting his way up the heavyweight ranks. He was a bona fide killer of man. An elite fighter who had the battle scars and all out wars to back up his fierce reputation.

No fighter beat up more fists with his face than the legendary Don Jackson. This one man gang led the Oilers into battle against their bitter rivals night in and night out. He could be seen often times picking himself off the ice after a nice dusting. Or lying unconscious with teammates waving over a team trainer. Like fellow soldiers calling for a medic. How can you not be moved by this stuff?

So without further ado, I give you Don Jackson's Greatest Hits!

Here is a Minnesota version of Jackson pummeling Jeff Brubaker of the Hartford Whalers. Brubaker was never the same after that. He was once slated to be the next “Gillies” or “Playfair” but after this pounding he became… well he became Jeff Brubaker, I guess. Total punching bag. Jackson was already ruining careers!

Don Jackson vs Jeff Brubaker NEWSCAST - YouTube

Next, the “Don” went up against famed Bruins bulldog Stan Jonathan. This was a good fight with lots of punches thrown. Unfortunately for Jackson, most of them hit him. So why don't you sit back and watch Jackson try:

Don Jackson vs Stan Jonathan Nov 12, 1981 -...

Truely a memorable bout. And yes that is Hall of Fame announcer Fred Cusik calling him "Ron" Jackson. Apparently Jackson's fame had preceded him. If you listen you can hear Cusik mention Semenko and O'Reilly fighting off screen. Obviously Sammy felt upstaged by the young Jackson and felt the need to prove himself Jackson's equal.

Jackson then takes it to legendary Bruins tough guy Wayne Cashman. Cashman was old and this would be the fight that made him rethink what the hell he was doing in the NHL. Jackson was a beast and this beating served to remind Cash that in the NHL, sometimes it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Wayne Cashman vs Don Jackson - YouTube

Jackson then takes on another legendary battler in Bobby Nystrom. Jackson acquits himself well in this one making a real go of it. Absolute clear win for the Don. Not a bad showing here. Beating Nystrom is a sure way of putting yourself on the map.

Bob Nystrom vs Don Jackson - YouTube

Jackson landed a few good shots on the iron chinned Nystrom who kept on coming. Obviously if Nystrom is top-10 all-time, then hey-Don Jackson is too! Big win.

Here is Jackson up against one of the league's all-time HW champions. I mean if you want to prove yourself, you have to do it against the best. The fights previously were mere tune ups to this main event! So here it is Jackson taking on the legendary Miroslav Frycer!

Miroslav Frycer vs Don Jackson - YouTube

This was a huge win for Jackson that propelled him up the heavyweight ladder. After this it was hard to get fights. His reputation spread like wild fire throughout the league.

The playoffs were when things began to really heat up. This is where the Battle of Alberta really took place. The Uncivil War! Neither, Edmonton or Calgary could go on to the Stanley Cup finals without going through each other first. The games were intense with much at stake. So it is well known that a win in a playoff fight was equal to 20 wins during the regular season. Well known. Jim Peplinski was a frequent sparring partner for Jackson and the two would have some good bouts. Of course, we all know how great a fighter Peplinski was.

Don Jackson vs Jim Peplinski - ROUND 1 - YouTube

Jackson with the win. This guy is just knocking them down one by one at this point.

Here's round two. Another fight that sent shock waves throughout the league as Jackson wins yet another. Does Peplinski lift his head up even once in this fight?

Jim Peplinski vs Don Jackson 04-15-83 Rd 2 -...

At this point why does Peplinski even bother?

Don Jackson vs Jim Peplinski - ROUND 3 - YouTube

For a team like The Flames, boasting one of the best gunslingers in the game in Tim Hunter, it really makes you wonder why he would let Jackson do this to his teammate. Kind of odd that Hunter couldn't find Jackson in this series.

[srehm1]

O'Reilly was lucky Jackson fell in this one:

Terry OReilly vs Don Jackson - YouTube

Jackson then went after Jim Nill. Nill was tough as nails and can boast one of the few wins over Stan Jonathan. So this fight was huge! I mean beating Nill here would be sorta like beating jonathan, right? And if it's like beating jonathan, then it would have to be like... beating everyone Jonathan had ever beaten!!!! This was a big fight. You don't know but it was.

Jim Nill vs

Well there you have it. In this one fight Jackson proved he could beat Jonathan, Wilson, Schultz, Bouchard, Hilworth, Russell, Nilan, Stewart-the list goes on and on!

Here Jackson and Tim Hunter finally meet up. Hunter had finally summoned the balls to fight the Don. This would be a good one. I don't care what my friends think either-Jackson won this fight!

Don Jackson vs

An obvious Jackson win. I don't know what those guys are talking about.

In round two, it was a good fight until Hunter bailed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atr4Y...ature=youtu.be

Greg Gilbert bites off a little more than he could chew in this one. Can you believe he looks for it here against Jackson??

Don Jackson vs Greg Gilbert - YouTube

Sorry for the partial clip. Gilbert's head was actually knocked clean off his body by a Jackson right hand. Out of sympathy to Gilbert's family, that part is cut out. I have the unedited version if anyone wants to trade. Drop me a pm.

Here is Jackson knocking out Willi Plett. I’ve had several arguments, er, uh disagreements over this fight. You can clearly see Plett down and hurt after this fight. Another big win for Jackson.

Don Jackson vs

Here Jackson goes at it with Tim Hunter again as the Battle of Alberta raged on. This was a good fight until Jackson stepped on a stick.

Don Jackson vs

Obvious slip.

[srehm1]

Here Jackson tries to duke it out with John Blum but Blum has the death grip on him. I’m telling ya, Jackson’s rep made people wary.

Don Jackson vs

In this battle, Jackson is having his way with Lindsay Carson until Carson threw him down.

Don Jackson vs

The Battle of Alberta erupts again as Jackson gives Joel Otto a savage beating.

Don Jackson vs

You have to be made of stone to watch that.

Here is one of the biggest match ups of all time. Don Jackson vs. Behn Wilson. The early stages of this fight are not on this clip but I was there that night with my uncle. We had seats right there where the fight happened so I’m an authority on this matter. Jackson was all over Wilson right off the bat. Wilson was too slow out of the gate and took some heavy bombs. In the end, Wilson pulls down Jackson to get out of the fight. Only Don Don Phenomenon could get Wilson to call a fight early. My uncle and I ran into Jaroslav Pouzar that night. He confirmed everything I saw! What a great guy-he bought us beers all night, although he was in and out of the men’s room the whole time and we couldn’t get him to shut the fukk up.

Don Jackson vs

In this playoff tilt, Jackson mauls Ed Hospodar. This was a vicious beating. Why didn’t the Flyers try to intervene? Shades of Schultz-Rolfe.

Don Jackson vs

In this battle Dave Brown in typical thug fashion, Jumps Don Jackson. No honest square off, no gentlemanly adherence to the vaunted code. Ross Bernstein would not be amused.

Don Jackson vs

Here is that hypocrite Brad Marsh mugging Don Jackson. Marsh was all whiney when other teams pushed his team around, but he acted 10 feet tall and 500 pounds when he was on a tough team. Look at all of Marsh’s blood on Jackson’s face!

Don Jackson vs

In this next bout, Jackson pounds Curt Fraser. Another feather in his cap. I mean he has to be top-1,2,3 all-time at this point.

Curt Fraser vs

In this bout, Jackson takes on Chris Nilan. Kind of an unfair advantage by Nilan with all that tying up crap.

Don Jackson vs

Jackson then took on Joe Kocur. All I can say is, Jackson fukked up kocur’s right hand-with his face. Jackson could beat you in so many ways.

Joey Kocur KO's

That year in the playoffs, The Oilers and Flames once again met up to decide the fate of Alberta. In this linebrawl, you will see Tim Hunter and Nick Fotiu on the ice, but at no point do either of them go near Jackson. They avoid him like the plague. In fact, Fotiu takes a look at Jackson roughing up Jim Peplinski and then goes after… Mike Krushelnyski?? What? I’m not saying that Fotiu was afraid of Jackson, but the fact remains that he avoided Jackson in this linebrawl. At one point, they looked at each other and Fotiu looked away.

Edmonton Oilers vs

The Flames had a healthy respect for Jackson in that one.

The Edmonton Oilers were wary of Jackson’s growing stature as HW champ. They were concerned about what his reputation would do to the franchise. Even though Jackson had almost single handedly brought them two Stanley Cups- they decided to go with the kinder, gentler Marty McSorley as their enforcer. The NY Rangers, looking for someone to help keep the bullies at bay, jumped at the chance to bring him aboard.

He took on jay Miller and was doing fine until he stepped on a stick. In hockey fighting there are so many variables.

Don Jackson vs

It’s shame everyone jumped in. Jackson had Miller right where he wanted him.

Jackson was forced to retire because of a chronic hip injury. The NHL sighed in relief. The terror was over. Somehow, they had survived.

After his playing days were over Jackson even proved to be just as bad ass as he was when he was striking fear into the hearts of men in the NHL. As head coach of the IHL’s Cincinatti Cyclones, he felt the need to defend the honor of his team. Old instincts kicked in and he hopped over the glass and beat the snot out of the Atlanta Knights mascot. The mascot had been challenging the Cyclone players to a fight and Jackson was more than happy to oblige.

Cincinnati Cyclone's Don Jackson Pummels Sir...

Big win here. I mean, how many top fighters from their era can claim wins over Wilson, Nystrom, Plett, Fraser, Gilbert, Frycer, everyone Stan Jonathan beat AND the Atlanta Knights mascot?? Just one: Don Jackson, Greatest Of All Time. Thank you. God bless.

[ewen21]

LOL. I was going to go looking for the Miller fight. I watched that game with some Ranger fan buddies in the TV lounge of my dorm a wayyyy back when. It was kind of embarrassing watching Jackson kicking his legs when he was on his back. Even we were laughing.

Sometime around there McPhee and Markwart had a five alarm fight. I can't remember if it was before or after

[Maggie3and Me]

srehm1,

Great post my friend on one of the most fairly rated heavyweights in NHL history.

If memory serves me right, he still holds the record for causing the most bruised knuckles and sprained wrists in league history. It is a fact that most fighters suffered in their next bouts after having a tussle with “The Don”. Their hands and wrists were so sore and swollen from the punches they landed, they could hardly take the pain of landing on their next opponent.

I remember that fight against Wilson at the stadium. If you look closely, at the 13 second mark, you will see the linesman keeping Wilson away from any further harm by getting in between Jackson and him. You can also see Jackson tell Wilson there is more where that came from and Ben skated away.

Thanks for the memories.

[ewen21]

When Jackson came to the Rangers he was the "rugged defenseman from Edmonton" according to Sam Rosen. It didn't take long to to figure out he wasn't going to be much of a help in the toughness dept. At that point the Rangers had Larry Melnyk to do the heavy lifting anyway

[mikebflorida]

OMG

Hilarious. Thanks for the laughs, I needed some.

[I like Boobs]

I remember Fotiu looking away... He was terrified of that Jackson no doubt. Saw it on my radio, happened just like you said, 115 %

I'm glad you saw Pouzar that night. Clears up almost everything.

Funny stuff! Laughed quite a bit, especially the "slipped on a stick" in that Hunter fight.

[GOON 21]

Whats going on in this thread lol, someone fill me in please



Are we mocking someone or something?

[BaddaBing Badda Boom]

Jackson was a warrior maybe not as tough of some of the keyboard HF.COM'ers with the 20/20 hindsight. Tough and game. Obviously, Edmonton saw something in him. Thank the good Lord that he was not given to fear, like the fear of KOCUR or BOWN or WILSON! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH - What I can tell the man is still alive with how many Stanley Cups? No, HF.COM was not around in those days or else Jackson would have got the memo and froze in fear - Not his own, but that of those who ridicule him, those who laugh and impune someone they can never be.

[RetardedChimp]

Bravo srehm1.

[mikebflorida]

Originally Posted by BaddaBing Badda Boom

Jackson was a warrior maybe not as tough of some of the keyboard HF.COM'ers with the 20/20 hindsight. Tough and game. Obviously, Edmonton saw something in him. Thank the good Lord that he was not given to fear, like the fear of KOCUR or BOWN or WILSON! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH - What I can tell the man is still alive with how many Stanley Cups? No, HF.COM was not around in those days or else Jackson would have got the memo and froze in fear - Not his own, but that of those who ridicule him, those who laugh and impune someone they can never be.

If I read this right, it sounds like you're saying that Jackson should be treated with the same reverance as Kocur, Wilson, and Brown. Is that correct?

I respect ANY NHL tough guy but some were just horrible at what they did and Jackson was laughingly bad at fighting. He was game, sure but so were Kocur, Wilson, and Brown but the difference is that those 3 guys were much, much better at fighting. Finding the few times they had a bad night or got caught with a good punch just to make them look bad is a lesson in futility. Srehm1 just found like a dozen fights where Jackson got creamed and that's the hilarity of it all. He'd get his butt kicked and would come back for more and get his butt kicked again and again, and again and again.

When Brown loses, it's a much bigger deal the same way that when Jackson wins, it's breaking news!

I love this thread, no need to poop on it with your obsessions.

[battleship25]

Originally Posted by BaddaBing Badda Boom

Jackson was a warrior maybe not as tough of some of the keyboard HF.COM'ers with the 20/20 hindsight. Tough and game. Obviously, Edmonton saw something in him. Thank the good Lord that he was not given to fear, like the fear of KOCUR or BOWN or WILSON! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH - What I can tell the man is still alive with how many Stanley Cups? No, HF.COM was not around in those days or else Jackson would have got the memo and froze in fear - Not his own, but that of those who ridicule him, those who laugh and impune someone they can never be.

What struck me about this thread was first..I was laughing my ass off..then I started to think ...in terms off playing hockey on a team - we, here at HF.COM tend to forget the importance of guys like Jackson to their team and in hockey it's not "whether you win or not .. it's if you show up ". I'll tell you right now this guy was loved by his teammates, and respected by his opponents. As far as pure guts ...I'd put him in the top 5 all time...he stared down the barrel each time ...not looking away (like many in the top 10) and fired away with all he had. Sometimes we get caught up in who won this fight fight or that ... for me I respect the hell out of guys like Jackson and Coxe ..true warriors .

[I like Boobs]

Every team had a guy like Jackson at that period. A guy who was willing to do anything or fight anyone. Might win, might lose, but always showed up. Almost the opposite of a Fotiu say, Jackson was never hiding behind linesmen gesturing, he was front and center fighting. Had way more fights against better competition as well...Heard the Flames were sick of all the rookies in the league pushing them around so they brought the Rookie-ingest fighter around in Fotiu. I digress though, look at the guys teams carried during that era that would fight. Not the greatest but wouldn't back down.

Islanders had Duane Sutter, Gord Dineen and Greg Gilbert.

Oilers had McClelland, Jackson and eventually Buchberger.

Flyers had guys like Darryl Stanley, Lindsay Carson, Rich and Ron Sutter.

Penguins were carrying Gary Rissling and Pat Boutette.

Capitals had Ryan Walter and Lee Norwood.

Blackhawks had Greg Fox for a few years, Keith Brown.

Flames had that yappy Peplinski who now owns a car dealership in Calgary, Charlie Bourgeois, Joel Otto and Paul Baxter.

Habs had Mike McPhee, Steve Rooney briefly, Sergio Momesso.

List goes on, every team had 3-4 guys helping the main one or two doing the heavy lifting.

[Maggie3and Me]

Jackson was a role player on a team that had its share of Super Stars.

He played his role exceedingly well. You have to admire a person, who, knowing they have limited skills and ability compared to the competition, still willingly go to battle.

I don't think anyone is questioning that and I don't think that is the purpose of this thread.