Sweden charges British-born Italian player for hit on ice

STOCKHOLM (AP) — A Swedish prosecutor has charged British-born Italian hockey player Thomas Larkin with assault for blindsiding an opponent during a game last year.

Larkin hit Daniel Paille on the ice and left the Canadian with a severe concussion.

Prosecutor Joakim Johansson didn't name the players but said the incident took place on Nov. 7, 2017, during a game between Swedish club Brynas and German team Adler Mannheim in Gavle, adding the accused was playing for the German team.

Johansson said last month's ruling by Sweden's Supreme Court where a Swedish hockey player was found guilty of assault for cross-checking an opponent paved the way for criminal prosecution.

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