Jani Hakanpaa completely derails Zach Aston-Reese's attempt to hip check him

Jani Hakanpaa is quickly becoming a fan favourite for the Dallas Stars in his first season with the team, and it has a lot to do with plays like this. If you aren't familiar with the 30-year-old defenceman, he can be described in one word: big. At six-foot-six, 220 lbs., Hakanpaa has no issue using his imposing figure to push around opponents. Zach Aston-Reese of the Anaheim Ducks certainly found that out Thursday night.

In the third period of the Stars' 3-2 overtime win over the Ducks, Hakanpaa was chasing a loose puck up the ice. Aston-Reese saw an opportunity for a big hip check and lined Hakanpaa up. It didn't go as planned as Hakanpaa simply pushed Aston-Reese over and out of the way while he headed to the bench for a line change. At six-feet and 204 lbs., Aston-Reese is no small fry himself, but was clearly out matched here.

pic.twitter.com/eccjGkXjqD— abby (@coldbrewabby) April 1, 2022

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