Protecting the necks of hockey players is an issue that has become tragically relevant, but it does not stop people from committing rash acts. Former National Hockey League (NHL) forward Martin Frk has found himself in hot water.
On December 8th, the 30-year-old Czech almost inflicted a terrible injury on an opponent in a Swiss National League game between the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers and Lausanne HC.
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After being pinned against his team's bench by Lawrence Pilut, Frk swung his legs to push his attacker back, but the blade of his skate came dangerously close to his rival's neck.
Pilut, who played with the Buffalo Sabers last season, immediately put his hands over his face but fortunately did not injure himself.
On Friday, the league announced it had suspended Frk for five games and he would also have to pay a fine of 7,660 Swiss francs ($11,810 Canadian).
This incident is reminiscent of the Adam Johnson incident in England, where the player was fatally injured by Matt Petgrave's skate blade during a game in October.
Known for his powerful slap shot, Frk played 124 games in the NHL between 2016 and 2022. It is the first season in Switzerland for the former Halifax Mooseheads color bearer.