When did hockey become mixed martial arts?
Fighting has always been a part of the game, but mixed martial arts and wrestling moves should never touch the sport.
But the heat of the moment took over for one of the Detroit Red Wings AHL players. In a game against the Iowa Wild, Grand Rapids Griffins defender William Lagesson put one of the opposing players into a chokehold.
And didn’t let go until he tapped out.
Of course, context is missing from this video, but at first blush, this doesn’t look good at all for the young blueliner.
Teammates certainly appreciate physicality and gritty play. But there is a line that must not be crossed, and it’s easy to suggest that this chokehold was completely unnecessary.
Lagesson signed a deal with the Red Wings this past summer after splitting last season between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. In 40 games, he collected four points and averaged around 15 minutes per game.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
On July 1st, he signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings worth $775,000. He hasn’t played for the NHL club yet, but he has five points in 13 games for the Griffins.
The hockey world waits to see if Lagesson will receive any supplemental discipline. The Griffins play their next game on Friday, November 30, against the Milwaukee Admirals.
*Update: According to a press release published earlier today Lagesson will serve a three-game suspension for the chokehold and resulting penalty.
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