Whale's Molly Engstrom becomes first NWHL player to be suspended

Molly Engstrom, a defender on the National Women’s Hockey League’s Connecticut Whale, earned the unfortunate distinction as the first player in the history of the league to be suspended.

Molly Engstrom, a defender on the National Women’s Hockey League’s Connecticut Whale, earned the unfortunate distinction as the first player in the history of the league to be suspended, the NWHL announced Thursday.

Engstrom, 32, was ejected from the Dec. 6 game against the Buffalo Beauts and picked up a one-game suspension after an illegal cross-check and subsequent punch to the head of Meghan Duggan.

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In a video taken from security footage from the Chelsea Piers’ rink in Stamford Conn., Engstrom can be seen knocking over an unsuspecting Duggan with a hit to the upper back. After Duggan gets up, the players skate in front of each other for a few seconds before Engstrom lands a knockout punch. 

The NWHL's four teams, Connecticut, Buffalo, the Boston Pride and New York Riveters will each play 18 games in the league's inaugural season.  

One thing to consider w/ Engstrom hit is length of season: 1 game suspension during 18 gm season = 5-6 games in 82 gm season. #NWHL

— Hannah Bevis (@Hannah_Bevis1) December 10, 2015

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Engstrom has played in two Olympic games with the US Olympic Hockey Team, winning a bronze medal in 2006 and a silver medal in 2010.