Dave "The Hammer" Schultz remains an iconic figure in ice hockey, particularly for his role as an enforcer with the Philadelphia Flyers during their "Broad Street Bullies" era. Born on October 14, 1949, in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Schultz's aggressive style of play earned him a fearsome reputation and a place in NHL history.

Schultz was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 5th round (52nd overall) of the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft, a strategic move by the team to add toughness to their lineup. Before joining the Flyers, Schultz honed his skills and his enforcer persona in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Quebec Aces and later the Richmond Robins. During the 1970-71 season with the Aces, he recorded 382 penalty minutes in 71 games, followed by 392 penalty minutes the subsequent season with the Richmond Robins. He played his first NHL game with the Flyers in that same season.

The 1972-73 season marked Schultz's first full season in the NHL. Over the next two seasons, Schultz played a crucial role in the Flyers' consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. During the 1973-74 season, he showcased his offensive capabilities by scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists, in addition to accumulating 348 penalty minutes in 73 games. In the same season during the playoffs, he added another 139 penalty minutes, also scoring the series-winning goal in overtime against the Atlanta Flames.

"The Hammer" holds the NHL record for the most penalty minutes in a single season, amassing a staggering 472 minutes in the 1974-75 season. Throughout his NHL career, which spanned nine seasons, Schultz played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. In 535 NHL games, he recorded 80 goals, 121 assists, and 200 points.

After retiring from professional hockey in 1980, Schultz transitioned to coaching, leading several minor league teams, including the Madison Monsters, Baton Rouge Kingfish, and Elmira Jackals. Beyond hockey, Schultz co-authored "The Hammer," a book offering insights into the life of a hockey enforcer. In 1994, he served as a referee in a WCW Slamboree match. More recently, in 2022, he lent his voice to "The Simpsons" episode "Top Goon". Schultz also announced he would be releasing a book on himself in the fall of 2025.