EDMONTON — Wrestling and hockey are both exciting sports, but combining them can lead to complications.
A former Edmonton Oilers defenseman is learning that the hard way.
Hockey has a rich history, including physical play; However, integrating mixed martial arts and wrestling techniques can be problematic. Recently, during an intense game 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 difficult situation, putting an opponent in a stranglehold, only letting go when the player tapped out.
Chokeholds may not be used during a hockey game. The move is mainly used in wrestling and mixed martial arts. It is 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, scoring four points in 40 games and averaging 15 minutes of ice time last season. His recent one-year, $775,000 contract with the Red Wings speaks to their confidence in him despite his current AHL status, where he has collected five points in just thirteen games.
Lagesson was drafted by the Oilers and spent nearly three seasons gaining NHL experience before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
The hockey community is keeping a close eye on whether Lagesson will receive additional punishment. He received a rough penalty on the play, but nothing further has been announced.
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