HOF Chris Pronger DEFENDS Jacob Trouba from turning Chicago VILLAIN after hit on Andreas Athanasiou

HOF Chris Pronger DEFENDS Jacob Trouba from turning Chicago VILLAIN after hit on Andreas Athanasiou

Chris Pronger defends Jacob Trouba [Image Credit: ESPN/Pinterest]

Saturday’s high-hit by New York Rangers Jacob Trouba on Chicago Blackhawks Andreas Athanasiou has been quite a controversial topic. Earlier 28-year-old center accused the defenceman Trouba of his hit on the ice which resulted in a fight soon after.

Trouba blew the center on the blue line soon which resulted in the Blackhawks captain jumping in and defending his teammate. Jonathan Toews got a 17-minute penalty for participation in the fight, while the one who stirred the events skated out unscathed.

YouTube video

This incident turned Trouba into the No. 1 villain for Chicago, as the defenceman received some heavy critics from the NHL fans. Surprisingly, the Saturday event took a new turn, as Hall of Famer Chris Pronger started defending the 28-year-old defenceman. 

FS Video

Also Read| Fans in AWE of Erik Kallgren’s latest mask design as goalie carries Borje Salming’s LEGACY

Chris Pronger defending Jacob Trouba brought new light to the case

Andreas Athanasiou and Jacob Trouba [Image Credit: Sportsnet]
Andreas Athanasiou and Jacob Trouba [Image Credit: Sportsnet]

In his defense, Chris stated that “Get your head up young man or be ready to pay the price! Last time I checked hitting was still legal in the NHL.” “Maybe he should get his head up instead on whining to reporters!” Chris further noted that he is a bit old a school hockey traditionalist, and sees no issue with the hit.

Earlier in his released statement, Andreas called out Trouba publicly for his plays, and even went as far as taunting the defenceman, “That guy is known for hitting high, not really worrying about the puck out there and almost trying to hurt people”. 

“That’s his game; that’s what he does. He’s an $8 million man with zero goals, so he has to figure out how to do something when making that much. If you can’t help the team, I guess you try to hurt guys on the other team.”

“It was a weird play”, Andreas continued. “The puck was there. He could’ve made a play on the puck. Instead it’s like [he had] an intent to try to hurt somebody. He’s been known to do that. You have to know when he’s on the ice, and he got me there”.

Standing at a neutral point, it is hard to say who is in the correct, but this issue has no doubt caused a ruckus out in the NHL world. No matter if Andreas escaped injury or not, the high hit could have some serious consequences given the wrong direction. 

Furthermore, Trouba’s history with other National Hockey League players has not been good. This further ignited the whole situation, putting Trouba in the villain zone. Last season, Trouba encountered a similar situation with another Blackhawks player Jujhar Khaira. It seems the team hasn’t forgotten that.

Also Read| WATCH: Avs out for REVENGE against Bruins as Jared Bednar calls out Charlie McAvoy over DIRTY play, NHL Twitter reacts

Also Read| WATCH: Bruce Cassidy “choked up” as Bruins honor former coach through EMOTIONAL video tribute

Do follow us on:  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter