Tyler Bertuzzi’s missing teeth, which he lost during a game due to incidents like being hit by pucks, elbowed by opponents, and cross-checked, have become a part of his unique persona.
Born on February 24, 1995, Tyler Bertuzzi is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL.
He made his official NHL debut in 2016 with the Detroit Red Wings and has also played for the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Additionally, in the 2016-2017 season, he was named the MVP of the AHL playoffs.
Known for his gritty playing style, he has earned a reputation as one of the best forwards in the NHL.
Tyler Bertuzzi’s Toothless Appearance With Humor And Positivity
Tyler Bertuzzi has faced some pretty tough moments in his ice hockey career, especially when it comes to his teeth.
In 2016, while playing for the Detroit Red Wings, he took a puck to the mouth and lost a tooth. But that was just the beginning.
In 2018, he was elbowed by New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, and another tooth was gone.
Then, in 2020, things got even worse when Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell cross-checked him, knocking out two more teeth.
Despite all these painful incidents, Bertuzzi has maintained a positive attitude. He often shares photos of his toothless smile on social media, showing that he can find humor even in tough situations.
To keep playing without any major issues, he started using false teeth. This helps him not only on the ice but also off it.
He has used false teeth to replace the one he lost to address the practical challenges of missing teeth.
His mother, Angela Bertuzzi, once mentioned that he has had two replacements but tends to lose them.
During a special event, she wanted Tyler to get a tooth, but the photographer ended up photoshopping a tooth into his smile for a couple of photos instead.
One of the most interesting aspects of Bertuzzi’s story is that he actually keeps a collection of his lost teeth at home.
Additionally, he has been toyed with the idea of crafting a unique necklace from them, turning his hockey battle scars into a unique piece of jewelry.
It is a creative way of adopting the battle scars that come with his sports and showcasing his pride in his journey as a professional athlete.
Tyler Bertuzzi’s Exceptional Career in Ice Hockey
Despite losing teeth during games and other challenges, he has achieved numerous milestones in his career.
He had a standout junior career with the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
During this time, he won the J. Ross Robertson Cup and was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team.
In the American Hockey League (AHL), he won the Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Bertuzzi made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings in 2016 and has had several impressive seasons, including recording his first hat trick in 2019.
Moreover, he has also represented Team Canada in international competitions.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He was born to his parents, Adrian Gedye and Angela Bertuzzi, who divorced in 2020.
- His wife, Ashley Greasley, is a professional model. The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
- The couple have two children: a daughter named Kinsley Lea Bertuzzi, born in November 2022, and a son named Wilder David, born on January 23, 2024.