Nikita Okhotiuk could be the next Arber Xhekaj; a young player who steps into the NHL and immediately inserts himself as a big-time fighter. 6'1'', 195lbs, Okhotiuk isn't a large guy, but he can throw with the best of 'em.
You may recall about a year ago, when he fought Casey Fitzgerald, son of his GM - Tom Fitzgerald - in one of his first games in the NHL. Guy's got sand.
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Well, on Tuesday night, the kid was back in the saddle again. The Utica Comets were visiting the Cleveland Monsters, when 26-year old defenseman Olivier LeBlanc threw a hit on forward Nolan Stevens. Okhotiuk didn't like the hit, challenged LeBlanc to a fight, and when he obliged, absolutely smoked him.
It bordered on a sucker punch, but LeBlanc's gloves were off and Okhotiuk just wasn't wasting any time. Therefore, I don't think you could call it a sucker punch. If you're getting into a fight, don't dilly-dally.
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Is this kind of punch dirty or just good fighting tact?
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