Rick Jodzio
| Rick Jodzio | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 3, 1954 Edmonton, AB, CAN |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb) |
| Position | Left wing |
| Shot | Left |
| Played for | Cleveland Barons (NHL) Colorado Rockies (NHL) Calgary Cowboys (WHA) Vancouver Blazers (WHA) |
| NHL Draft | 153rd overall, 1974 Buffalo Sabres |
| Playing career | 1974–1980 |
Richard Joseph "Rick" Jodzio (born June 3, 1954 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He played in the National Hockey League with the Colorado Rockies and the Cleveland Barons; additionally, he played in the World Hockey Association with the Vancouver Blazers and the Calgary Cowboys.
In his NHL career, Jodzio appeared in 70 games. He scored two goals and added eight assists while collecting 71 minutes in penalties. He played in 137 WHA games, scoring 15 goals and adding 16 assists with 357 minutes in penalties.
In one of the most infamous moments of organized hockey, on 11 April 1976, Jodzio, while playing for the Calgary Cowboys of the WHA, attacked Quebec Nordiques star, Marc Tardif, with his hockey stick during a game in Quebec City. Jodzio's hit caused Tardif permanent brain damage. According to several witnesses, Jodzio hit Tardif repeatedly as Tardif lay helpless on the ice.
It is still disputed exactly how the fight occurred. Jodzio was also a trained boxer. Since the incident Jodzio and Tardif have met for press interviews.
References
- Polnaszek, Frank (1979). Larry Wigge, ed. 1979-80 Hockey register. The Sporting News. ISBN 0-89204-051-3.
External links
- Rick Jodzio's career statistics at The Internet Hockey Database
- Rick Jodzio's biography at Legends of Hockey
1-Allo Police page 6, 4 July 1976.