Former NHL enforcer wanted in taxi-driver assault in Maple Ridge
A former NHL enforcer may be facing more trouble than the penalty box.
Maple Ridge RCMP announced June 4 that 57-year-old Link Gaetz has been charged with one count of assault and one count of mischief under $5,000 for an alleged “unprovoked assault” on a taxi driver in Maple Ridge last fall.
On Sept. 17, 2025, around 2:45 p.m., officers responded to reports of an alleged assault near the intersection of Sheldrake Court and Fern Crescent, according to police.
Investigators said the driver had picked up the suspect at an establishment in the 12900 block of 232nd Street, near the Black Sheep Public House, and was directed to the residential neighbourhood before the passenger abruptly ordered the driver to stop.
Police allege the suspect then immediately began assaulting the driver, punching him multiple times in the face and causing injuries. During the incident, the suspect also allegedly attempted to destroy the taxi’s CCTV camera and smashed the vehicle’s windshield before fleeing on foot.
RCMP officers, including members of Integrated Police Dog Services and Air Services, searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
Investigators later canvassed for witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage before releasing photos to the public in an effort to identify the man.
At the time, then-Ridge Meadows RCMP Insp. Martin Guay described the incident as “an unprovoked assault on an innocent victim” that occurred in broad daylight and was witnessed by multiple people.
Police credited public assistance for helping identify the alleged suspect.
Gaetz has not been arrested and is currently the subject of an outstanding warrant, RCMP said.
He is described as a white man standing 6-4, and weighing approximately 252 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.
Gaetz is a notable figure in hockey circles despite a relatively brief NHL career.
Drafted 40th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988, he played 65 NHL games with the North Stars and the inaugural-season San Jose Sharks.
Known as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers, he accumulated 412 penalty minutes during his NHL career, including a franchise-record 326 penalty minutes in 48 games with the Sharks during the 1991-92 season.
His professional career was cut short after a serious vehicle crash in 1992 left him with significant injuries, though he later continued playing in various minor professional leagues.
Anyone with information about Gaetz’s whereabouts is asked to contact Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251 and quote file number 2025-19870.
The allegations against Gaetz have not been proven in court.
