Nick Tarnasky: From NHL Enforcer to Viral Sensation

By / July 10, 2025
Nick Tarnasky: From NHL Enforcer to Viral Sensation

Key Takeaways

  • Nick Tarnasky, a former NHL enforcer, played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers.
  • He was known for his physical play and accumulating nearly 300 penalty minutes in 245 games.
  • Since retiring, he has transitioned into coaching youth hockey, currently serving as a head coach in Alberta.
  • Tarnasky recently gained significant media attention due to a viral golf course incident.
  • The incident involved a physical altercation over the pace of play, leading to an internal investigation by his hockey organization and police review.

Table of Contents

Nick Tarnasky is a former professional ice hockey player best known for his role as an enforcer in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 25, 1984, in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, Tarnasky was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003 and has recently gained significant media attention due to a viral golf course incident (source: https://app.primetimer.com/news/who-is-nick-tarnasky-all-we-know-as-former-nhl-enforcers-golf-fight-video-goes-viral-online).

Here are some key facts about Nick Tarnasky:

What Was Nick Tarnasky’s NHL Career Like?

During his five seasons in the NHL, from 2005 to 2010, Nick Tarnasky was known for his physical and aggressive style of play. As an enforcer, his primary role was to protect his teammates and intimidate opponents. He was never afraid to drop the gloves and engage in fights, often facing some of the toughest “heavyweights” in the league, such as Milan Lucic and Chris McGrattan.

Tarnasky’s NHL journey included stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers, accumulating nearly 300 penalty minutes in 245 games.

What Has Nick Tarnasky Done Since Retiring from Playing?

After his NHL career concluded, Nick Tarnasky continued playing professional hockey in other leagues, including the American Hockey League (AHL) and briefly in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching youth hockey. As of 2025, he serves as the head coach for the U17 AAA North Stars youth hockey team, affiliated with Red Deer Minor Hockey in his home province of Alberta.

Why Is Nick Tarnasky in the News Now?

Recently, Nick Tarnasky has drawn significant media attention due to a viral video depicting a physical altercation at the Alberta Springs Golf Resort near Red Deer, Alberta. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, involved Tarnasky and another man in a dispute over the pace of play on the golf course.

The viral video shows Tarnasky physically confronting the other man.

Here’s a breakdown of what the video shows:

  • Verbal Dispute: The altercation reportedly began as a disagreement about how quickly players were moving on the course.
  • Warnings Issued: Tarnasky is seen warning the man multiple times to leave the area before the situation escalated.
  • Physical Escalation: The video captures Tarnasky lifting the man and throwing him into a pond on two separate occasions.
  • Punches Thrown: Following the throws, Tarnasky delivers a series of punches to the man, reportedly saying “bang” with each strike.
  • Intoxicated Opponent: The other individual involved appeared to be intoxicated and aggressive.

This highly publicized incident has led to an internal investigation by Red Deer Minor Hockey, where Tarnasky coaches, and local police are also reviewing the matter.

FAQ Section

Is Nick Tarnasky still playing hockey professionally?

No, Nick Tarnasky is no longer playing professional hockey. He retired from playing and has since transitioned into coaching.

Which NHL teams did Nick Tarnasky play for?

Nick Tarnasky played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers during his NHL career.

What is an “enforcer” in hockey?

In ice hockey, an enforcer is a player whose primary role is to deter opposing players from aggressive play through intimidation or fighting. They often protect skilled teammates and can energize their team.

Why did Nick Tarnasky’s golf course video go viral?

Nick Tarnasky’s golf course video went viral because it showed him involved in a violent altercation with another man over a dispute regarding the pace of play. The footage included him throwing the man into a pond and delivering punches, which sparked widespread online outrage and discussion.

Is Nick Tarnasky facing charges for the golf course incident?

As of the latest reports, local police are reviewing the matter, and Red Deer Minor Hockey has initiated an internal investigation into the incident. No information on charges has been made public in the provided research.

What is Nick Tarnasky doing now?

As of 2025, Nick Tarnasky is the head coach of the U17 AAA North Stars youth hockey team with Red Deer Minor Hockey in Alberta, Canada.