Grimson helps put some fight into Hawks

As Stu Grimson patiently, thoughtfully and articulately answeredquestions after the Blackhawks' 5-2 victory Saturday over Minnesota,it was difficult to believe this was the same guy who an hour earlierhad squared off with North Stars enforcers Basil McRae and ShaneChurla in second-period slugfests.

"They're both well-rehearsed fighters who believe in physicalconfrontation," Grimson said. "It's important for a guy in myposition to confront them when they try to take liberties with someof our players. That's not solely my role, but it's certainly partof it."

When the Hawks selected left wing Grimson in the NHL waiverdraft from the Flames in October, he had played in four NHL games.Most of Grimson's career had been spent at the Flames' Salt Lake farmclub, where the 6-5, 220-pounder earned a reputation as a brawler. He picked up 716penalty minutes and just 43 points in the last two seasons.

The Hawks were looking for help after the Nordiques made leftwing and enforcer Wayne Van Dorp the first player taken in the waiverdraft.

"Coming to Chicago has been a breath of fresh air," Grimsonsaid. "It was obvious Calgary didn't have plans for me, so this wasan ideal situation."

Grimson was with the Hawks for all 80 games but played in just35. He scored one point off an assist and picked up 183 penaltyminutes.

Always eager to drop the gloves and mix it up, Grimson hasbecome a favorite of Hawks fans because of his fighting prowess.

On Saturday, he took on McRae and Churla for three-minute fightsless than five minutes apart and appeared to win a decision overeach. His teammates reacted warmly. When Grimson took theadvantage over McRae with a couple of solid right hands, Hawks goalieEd Belfour banged his stick on the ice in approval.

Players affectionately patted Grimson on the behind with theirsticks as he headed to the dressing room after the Churla exchange.The fans roared in appreciation both times.

"I guess fighting is kind of an accepted tradition in hockeybecause it's basicaly a release of aggression," Grimson said. "Therelease valve is opened, things settle down and you get back toplaying hockey."

Said Hawks enforcer Bob McGill: "I've been doing it 10 years,and you don't get much credit. You have to take some beatings forplayers sometimes. But it's a good job, and you're getting paid wellto do it. A lot of times, it can sway a game."

And maybe a series.