EDMONTON — Wrestling and hockey are both thrilling sports, but blending them together can lead to complications.
One former Edmonton Oilers defender is learning that the hard way.
Hockey has a rich history that includes physical play; however, integrating mixed martial arts and wrestling techniques can be problematic. Recently, in an intense matchup between the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Iowa Wild, emotions ran high for William Lagesson.
Lagesson, a dedicated defenseman for the Griffins (the Detroit Red Wings AHL team), found himself in a tough spot and placed an opposing player in a chokehold, only releasing when the player tapped out.
Chokeholds should not be used in a hockey game. The move is primarily used in wrestling and mixed martial arts. It’s mainly a technique that forces the recipient to give up before passing out.
Lagesson, who recently joined the Red Wings after spending last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, has shown promise—recording four points over 40 games and averaging 15 minutes of ice time last season. His recent one-year contract with the Red Wings, worth $775,000, speaks to their trust in him despite his current AHL status, where he has collected five points in just 13 games.
Lagesson was drafted by the Oilers and spent nearly three seasons gaining NHL experience before he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
The hockey community is closely watching to see if Lagesson receives additional punishment. He received a roughing penalty on the play, but nothing else has been announced.
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