Gary Rissling

Gary Daniel Rissling (born August 8, 1956 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) is a retired Canadian ice hockey left wing. Originally signed in 1978 as a free agent by the Washington Capitals, Rissling also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 1983 and 1984 he was awarded the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Good Guy Award.

He was a very physical player, even in junior with the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Calgary Centennials. In 1976-77 (his last year) Rissling got 317 minutes in penalties as well as 40 goals and 40 assists. Undrafted by any NHL team, he turned pro in 1977 with the Port Huron Flags and was penalized for 341 minutes in 1977-78.

The Washington Capitals signed him as a free agent in 1978. He split the next two seasons between the Capitals and the Hershey Bears. In January, 1981 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Over five seasons, Rissling continued to spilt seasons between the NHL and the minor pros. By 1985 he was considered a defensive liabilty and was permanently assigned to the minors. He retired in 1987.

In his NHL career, Rissling played in 221 games, scoring 23 goals and 30 assists, with 1008 penalty minutes.