Ryan Reaves, a renowned enforcer in today's NHL, recently shared an interesting story that highlights not only his intimidation factor on the ice but also his interactions with coaches.
During a podcast called "Empty Netters," Reaves looked back on his time with the St. Louis Blues and recalled a heated encounter with the team's former head coach, Ken Hitchcock.
This incident was sparked by Hitchcock criticizing Reaves for a mistake during a game. Reaves, known for his tough demeanor, didn't take kindly to the criticism. He admitted that he grabbed Hitchcock's tie and issued a strong threat.
Surprisingly, Reaves later went to Hitchcock's office to apologize for his actions. Hitchcock, displaying his seasoned coaching style, responded with a bit of humor.
Despite the initial intensity of the situation, it appears that both Reaves and Hitchcock moved past the incident. Their continued collaboration and mutual respect suggest that, in hindsight, they viewed it as a minor bump in their working relationship.
In this intriguing episode, Ryan Reaves' imposing presence, both on and off the ice, is evident, showcasing that even NHL coaches were not immune to his strong personality.