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What is Terry O Reilly's nickname?

Published in Hockey Nicknames 1 min read

What is Terry O'Reilly's Nickname?

Terry O'Reilly's well-known nickname is Taz.

The Origin of "Taz"

Terry O'Reilly, a formidable presence in hockey, earned his memorable nickname, "Taz," from a former teammate. This distinctive moniker was given to him by Phil Esposito, a renowned player and goal scorer.

Why the Nickname "Taz" Was Given

The nickname "Taz" was directly inspired by the Tasmanian Devil cartoon character. Esposito attributed the name to O'Reilly because of his remarkably aggressive and relentless playing style on the ice. O'Reilly was characterized by his "reckless, come-at-you" approach to the game, reminiscent of the chaotic and fierce energy embodied by the popular animated character. His unwavering intensity and physical presence made "Taz" an exceptionally fitting description for his on-ice persona throughout his career.