Doug Glatt is a kind-hearted but dimwitted bouncer from Massachusetts, who feels disconnected from his family due to his lack of intellectual prowess—his father and brother are both successful doctors. After attending a local hockey match with his best friend Pat, Doug's fighting skills are noticed when he single-handedly confronts a belligerent player who ventures into the stands. His formidable scuffle catches the eye of a minor league hockey coach, who recruits him as an enforcer—a player tasked with protecting the team and doling out physical punishment to opponents.

Initially lacking in actual hockey playing prowess, Doug makes an impact with his fists, quickly earning the respect and adoration of teammates and fans alike. His lovable, humble nature stands in contrast to his fierce fighting abilities on the ice, leading to a surprising opportunity with the Halifax Highlanders in Canada. There, Doug is given the role of protecting Xavier Laflamme, a prodigiously talented but skittish star player still recovering from a brutal on-ice hit. Doug's presence on the team begins to change its fortunes, and despite his unconventional path, he starts to find his place in the world of professional hockey, all while navigating the challenges that come with newfound fame and the pressures of his role.