Matthew Barnaby’s NHL career started in 1993 and lasted until 2007, when he retired. During those years, he participated in a whopping 191 fights, and it’s fair to say he really was one of the heavyweight fighters of his era.
Looking at penalty minutes, only 17 players in NHL history have more than his 2,562.
By many, Barnaby was considered a pest and agitator, and he had no shortage of controversial incidents during his time in the NHL. He could score goals as well, and in 1996-97, he scored a career-high 19 goals and 43 points in 68 games.
But it’s not for his offensive contributions that Barnaby is remembered today. Barnaby could go after anyone, and he was an expert at getting under the skin of his opponents.
He was a great chirper, and a couple of years ago, Barnaby revealed some of his secrets.
“I said some nasty, nasty things to people about their wives, their girlfriends. Beyond the line for 99 percent of people in the world, but it wasn’t for me. It was a job,” Barnaby said in a CBC podcast.
Barnaby had his battles with Eric Lindros, and he now reveals what he said to make the Hall of Famer completely lose his mind.
“Going into games, I knew a few words to say about Eric Lindros. I said things about his mom and his dad, and asked him if mommy and daddy were going to let him fight tonight, and if he had asked for permission. I knew he was going to lose his mind.”
For Matthew Barnaby, it was important to chirp and go after players, as it made him better as a player.
“I truly believe I was at my best talking when I was engaged. I got myself into the game, and that was the best for my time. Chirpers that do it, I really respect guys who answer the bell. And there’s a time and a place, you don’t have to do it right away. But at some point, you have to be able to answer the bell,” he said.
