Dave Semenko Net Worth, Income, Salary, Earnings, Biography

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, David John Semenko (born July 12, 1957) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played with the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League. He was initially chosen in 1977 by the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League and the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association. He played with the North Stars for two seasons before being traded to the Aeros. 

He was renowned as Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard early in Gretzky’s career in Edmonton, starting with the WHA in 1978 and continuing until Semenko was transferred to Hartford in January 1987. Semenko was born in Edmonton and grew up in Hartford. Many believe Semenko to be one of the hardest players to ever play in the National Hockey League. Because of the security provided by Semenko, Edmonton’s players, including as Wayne Gretzky, Jarri Kurri, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey, were able to play with more freedom on the ice, which contributed significantly to the Oilers’ Stanley Cup victories in 1984 and 1985. 

On June 12, 1983, he competed in an exhibition match against boxing great Muhammad Ali. Semenko began his junior hockey career with the Brandon Wheat Kings, then spent two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) before the league amalgamated with the NHL. In Game 6 of the 1979 Avco Cup Finals, in which the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Winnipeg Jets, he scored the last goal in WHA history. Despite short stints with the Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, he decided to call it quits after the 1987–88 campaign. A total of 65 goals, 88 assists, and 1175 penalty minutes were scored by him throughout his 575-game NHL career. His career after retirement began as a colour commentator on Oilers radio broadcasts, followed by a stint as an assistant coach with the Oilers in 1996 before joining the scouting staff in 1997.

Dave Semenko FAQ