A former NHL player is facing a hefty suspension after a concerning incident in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Anton Lindholm, who currently suits up for Leksand in the SHL, found himself in hot water due to a shoulder-to-face hit on Henrik Bjorklund of Färjestad.
The SHL's Disciplinary Committee has taken action, slapping Lindholm with a five-game suspension and a fine of just over $7000 USD. Lindholm, who has been with Leksand for three seasons, delivered the hit when his team was down 3-0.
In their ruling, the committee made it clear that Bjorklund wasn't in a vulnerable position, putting the responsibility solely on Lindholm for the dangerous hit. Their statement reads, "The hit involves a great risk of injury and is disrespectful. The tackled player cannot in any significant way be considered to have contributed to the tackle hitting the head."
It's worth noting that Lindholm had played 66 NHL games, all with the Colorado Avalanche, before leaving the league in 2021. Meanwhile, Bjorklund, drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2009, has not ventured into North American hockey.
