Written Option 2:

Easton doesn't usually resort to dirty tricks on the ice, since he's a sophomore, just learning the tricks of the trade as he goes.  He has seen some dirty play behind the play and after the whistle, and he has been taking some notes.  Anything from the complementary cross-check behind someone's back, to a quick stick jab around the area that should not be touched, he notices.

While he does find it somewhat unprofessional and kind of barbaric, he gets it.  It occurs for the mere reason to let the other team and players that they are there and are not to be pushed around.  While it goes both ways, and Easton does benefit from these situations in power plays, he has begun to use these tricks.  Last season, he did get a lot of penalty minutes, but this season, his combativeness has greatly improved and he has stayed out of the sin bin more often than not.