Anyone who watches international hockey knows without a doubt that, despite the possibility of opening up the game by skating on a wider ice surface, the likelihood of any physicality is significantly lower than in North American hockey. However, it appears that a situation has presented a Czech player with the chance to follow the rules and redefine choking.
Czech defenseman Radko Gudas appeared to have had enough of USA forward Brady Tkachuk playing rough with his teammates in front of the Czechia net earlier on Thursday during the team's game against the USA. Initially, Tkachuk was turned perpendicular to his own body by Gudas, who held him from behind. Tkachuk's neck is hunched back as Gudas' hand is encircling him. Then, Tkachuk turned around and started to battle with his opponent as if he hadn't been harassed.
Similar to this instance, Czechia defeated the Americans during the match thanks to a solid performance by goalie Lukas Dostal. That may sound unremarkable, but the Prague home audience was thrilled to be able to support their nation of origin in winning.
