Radko Gudas sends Brendan Lemieux flying with textbook hip check

In the early moments of the Anaheim Ducks' home opener, Radko Gudas showed off why the team signed him this offseason. Gudas brings a reputation for being a physical force on the ice, and he delivered on those expectations immediately in Anaheim.

Only two minutes into the game, Gudas executed a perfect hip check against Carolina Hurricanes forward Brendan Lemieux.


Brady Skjei shot a pass up the ice to Lemieux streaking down the wing while Gudas read the play from a distance. Just as Lemieux received the puck in the neutral zone, Gudas arrived with a devastating hip check that sent Lemieux flying.



Gudas signed a three year contract with the Ducks this offseason which pays him $4M annually. His role will serve as protection to the younger Ducks and a veteran presence as the team goes through their rebuild.

This offseason, Gudas signed with the Ducks for three years at a value of $4M annually. For the Ducks, he's expected to provide younger players protection on the ice and a veteran presence while the team rebuilds. While the Ducks still won't be competitive at all, hockey fans can still expect to see more of these heavy checks from Gudas.