Paul “Biz” Bissonnette, better known as Biz Nasty, has become one of the most recognizable and entertaining figures in the hockey world. With his quick wit and larger-than-life personality, he’s won over fans as a studio analyst for TNT and as the co-host of the popular Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. While many know him for his comedic charm off the ice, few are familiar with the road he traveled to get there—a journey that’s anything but ordinary.
Biz’s hockey career began in 2003 when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round, 121st overall. His time in Pittsburgh, however, was brief—he played only a handful of games before being waived. It was the Phoenix Coyotes who saw something in Biz and claimed him off waivers, where he would carve out a role for himself—not as a flashy scorer, but as a gritty, uncompromising enforcer.
Though his offensive numbers never turned heads (he finished his career with just 22 points lol), Biz became a key player in his own right—known for his ability to defend teammates, drop the gloves, and intimidate anyone who crossed the line. With 340 penalty minutes over the course of his career, Biz’s job on the ice was clear: protect the team and make sure opponents knew there were consequences for their actions.
Off the ice, Biz’s value went beyond his physicality. Teammates often described him as the kind of player you wanted in the locker room: energetic, positive, and always ready to lighten the mood. He wasn’t there to be a star—he was there to make his team better through his work ethic, his presence, and his willingness to do the dirty work. In many ways, Biz became a “personality hire” for the teams he played for. His numbers may not have stood out, but his impact was undeniable.
Recently, Biz made headlines for a different kind of altercation—one that had nothing to do with hockey. While dining out, he found himself in the middle of a heated situation when a confrontation between patrons got out of hand. Biz stepped in to de-escalate the conflict, only to be assaulted by six men. But true to his enforcer nature, Biz didn’t back down. He defended himself, leaving the attackers in retreat and proving that messing with a former NHL Goon is never a good idea.
Today, Biz is a beloved figure in the sports world, effortlessly transitioning from the ice to the microphone. His journey is a testament to resilience, charisma, and making the most of life’s surprises. From his days as an enforcer in the NHL to becoming one of the most entertaining voices in hockey media, Biz Nasty’s story proves that even the toughest players can reinvent themselves—and, in his case, do it with plenty of humor and Gusto.