The Washington Capitals rookies took on the Florida Panthers today at the IceDen in Coral Springs, Florida.
Just before the end of the second period, Capitals top prospect Jakub Vrana dropped his mitts for the first time in his career. He did not choose his first opponent wisely. Vrana fought Panthers prospect Jayce Hawryluk, a 2014 second round pick who calls Brad Marchand his favorite player. According to Hockey Fights, Hawryluk has punched faces four previous times.
Video
Vrana was bloodied and had several cuts opened above his left eye. He would remain in the game.
Photo via @Capitals
The Caps prospect had his reasons for wanting to inflict facial harm to Hawryluk. The Panthers forward took a run at Vrana in the corner just before the fight.
And here is the hit that preceded it, on the right side in the corner. Can’t see the actual contact pic.twitter.com/jtFYaEYKR7
— Spenser Smallwood (@SP_Smallwood) September 18, 2016
Vrana does not have a dedicated Hockey Fights page and has never fought in his professional career, but did get suspended two games last season in the AHL for a cross check against Albany.
He also worked on his boxing and wrestling skills while training in Sweden.
👊🏼 @drnda88
But in the future Jakub, please use your hands for dangles and not jabs. You’re not going to make it to the NHL because of your ruthless aggression.
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