"My jaw might think a little different though": Jeremy Roenick reacts to Derian Hatcher's admission about his jaw-breaking shoulder hit

On Sunday, the "Kickin’ It With Knuble" podcast shared a video on X featuring Derian Hatcher's statement on Jeremy Roenick. In the video, Hatcher talked about his infamous hit on Roenick during a game between the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes on April 14, 1999.

Sharing his perspective on the hit, Hatcher said:

“Swear on everything I never tried to break his jaw. Ya know, that was the result of the play.”

Jeremy Roenick responded to Hatcher's statement on X, saying:

“I hate this play and love it all in the same breath! I respect Derian so much for being a stand-up captain and a great guy. My jaw might think a little different though! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”

The hit broke Roenick's jaw in three places and cracked eight teeth. He missed the playoffs because of the injury. Hatcher received a seven-game suspension, including five playoff games, the longest postseason suspension in NHL history at the time.

NHL Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said Hatcher left his feet to deliver the blow.

"It is clear that Mr. Hatcher intended to deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Roenick by leaving his feet immediately prior to the hit," Campbell said, per CBS News, "As well, the severity of the injury to Mr. Roenick was considered, as was the fact that Mr. Hatcher has been suspended by the league on previous occasions."

This wasn’t Hatcher’s first suspension, as he had received a four-game suspension in September 1998, for a cross-check on Chris Pronger.

Despite the painful memory, Roenick showed respect for Hatcher’s character in his response.

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Jeremy Roenick praised Doug Wilson in November

Jeremy Roenick delivered an emotional speech during his Hockey Hall of Fame induction on Nov. 11, 2024, where he thanked Doug Wilson, his former general manager with the San Jose Sharks, for helping him during a difficult time.

Roenick was one of seven inductees in the 2024 class, alongside Shea Weber, Pavel Datsyuk, Natalie Darwitz, Krissy Wendell-Pohl, David Poile, and Colin Campbell. During his speech, Roenick reflected on his 20-year NHL career.

In 2007, with no contract offers and his career stalled, Wilson, an old teammate, offered Roenick a deal with strict rules: no alcohol, limited media appearances, and full focus on hockey. Roenick accepted immediately, even dumping his beer on the spot. Three months later, he scored his 500th goal.

"Thank you Doug Wilson for being a great friend but more important for being a friend when I needed it most," Roenick said, fighting back tears. "...You truly saved my life.”

Jeremy Roenick, picked 8th overall in 1988, retired with 513 goals and 1,216 points.