Joel Lundqvist, the twin brother of NHL goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, has received his second major suspension of the SHL season, this time for a blatant hit to the head of an opponent. Back in December, the 38-year-old was suspended for five games by the SHL for shoving an official during some heated back and forth with another player. The Frolunda captain is now sitting for another five games for this hit on 21-year-old Carl Mattsson of Lulea HF on Thursday.
Matchstraff för Joel Lundqvist! 👀 Bulan är vansinnig efter den här smällen... pic.twitter.com/GN5srTpgY7— C More Sport (@cmoresport) February 25, 2021
When Lundqvist received his suspension back in December, he argued it was too harsh. This time, he seems much more remorseful.
"I want to play hard, as I said - but I want to play well. It's been my game all these years," Lundqvist told Hockeysverige.se. "That's what I want to stand for. I never want to hurt anyone or put anyone in a stupid situation. I put the team in a tough situation going forward with my suspension. Of course I'm thinking about my physical game. A great responsibility rests on the one doing the hitting."
"It's crazy if I think about being suspended for ten games in one season, as well," said Lundqvist. "It's tough. There is no point in dwelling on things."
Lundqvist will not be eligible to play for Frolunda again until March 16th.
Here is the Joel Lundqvist incident that is being investigated.
Good. You can't do that. pic.twitter.com/C9TXotejtE— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) December 11, 2020