BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Friday evening, Rob Ray, the iconic enforcer of the NHL, stepped into the spotlight as he was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. The event showcased not only his imposing presence on the ice but also his deep connections as a son, father, and cherished teammate. The emotional moment was accentuated by the sight of his parents sitting nearby and a heartfelt standing ovation from the throng of dedicated Sabres supporters, nearly bringing Ray to tears before he even began his acceptance speech.

“Alright, you need to stop or I’m going to tear up,” Ray remarked, having devoted 14 of his 16 NHL seasons to Buffalo, where he became known for his impactful fights, achieved 3,207 penalty minutes, and inspired a rule change in the league. Ray has since transitioned into a beloved broadcaster for Sabres games. With a playful tone, he opened his speech saying, “I came to this town, I didn’t need glasses, I was in shape, I had hair, I left it all here for you guys.”

Reflecting on his lengthy career, Ray concluded, “It’s hard to believe I’ve been a part of this organization for 37 years.” He shared a vivid memory, stating, “And on those nights when I skated off the ice, with blood on my face, that wasn’t red. That was blue and gold,” a nod to the team’s colors.

At 56, Ray was a fifth-round pick by Buffalo in the 1988 NHL draft and played for the Sabres from 1990 until 2002, later wrapping up his professional career with brief stints in Ottawa. His induction on Friday marked him as the 44th member to be honored in the Sabres’ hall of fame during a game against the Nashville Predators.

Ray holds the franchise record for penalty minutes, ranking sixth overall in NHL history. Over his 900 career games, he managed to score 41 goals and tally 91 points. While his fights are often the most memorable aspect of his career, he had his share of significant offensive achievements as well. He netted a goal on his very first shift, scoring against Tom Barrasso with a slap shot in a 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh on October 21, 1989. Notably, he added three playoff goals, including a game-winner in the 1999 Eastern Conference finals against Toronto.

As a formidable enforcer, Ray was recognized for his signature tear-away jerseys which helped him maintain an upper hand during fights, allowing him to continue throwing punches while his opponents were caught off-guard. This tactic led to the NHL introducing a rule penalizing players who fought without their jerseys. “He played the game with passion. He wasn’t just any tough guy; he was the toughest,” remarked former teammate Brad May. “There’s nothing quite like knowing Rob Ray is on your side.”

Originally from Stirling, Ontario, Ray made Buffalo his home. He is widely appreciated for leading the Sabres alumni association and his charitable efforts, particularly his tradition of distributing toys to needy children every Christmas Eve. Surrounded by former teammates, his wife, and his children, Ray received a special tribute from Sabres co-owner Kim Pegula, who appeared for the first time since suffering a serious cardiac arrest in June 2022. Pegula watched the ceremony from a suite alongside her husband, Terry.

Ray took time to honor his former coaches and the late NHL Hall of Fame broadcaster Rick Jeanneret during his speech, saying, “I miss you, buddy. We all do.” Jeanneret, who passed away in August 2023, had given Ray his start in broadcasting after his playing days ended. A video tribute from Tie Domi, a frequent adversary in the ring, added a personal touch. Domi remarked, “They changed the rules because of you. The fighting streaker. I’m proud of you man. Our friendship goes beyond hockey.”

Ray also expressed regret over the NHL’s shift away from the enforcer role due to a series of new rules intended to curb fighting. He noted, “Sometimes, in our quest for wins and stats, we forget that hockey is an entertainment business.” Reflecting on his time on the late-90s squads known for their grit, he concluded, “We didn’t always come out on top, but we played hard, and people appreciated that. They looked forward to the excitement of the game, knowing they might witness a fight or two.”