These "facts" do not add up. I suspect a large degree of sensationalism being made here.
One does not choke someone for 45 seconds while the person remains conscious and attempts to tap out. If a choke is properly applied, it will take less then ten seconds for the person to go unconscious, depending on their heart rate. After the person goes out, this is when you're entering dangerous territory and continuing to hold the choke can lead to permanent damage or death.
So to recap:
-The MCpl was likely no where near death.
-The MCpl does not appear to have lost consciousness.
-A choke/strangle was not held for 45 seconds. Pressure to the neck perhaps, but not a choke.
Perhaps the CF didn't want to admit that a member of the ski team didn't know how to properly apply a rear naked choke, and therefore covered it up in court? Or maybe they figured he didn't strike a member, no one lost consciousness, no damage was done, and therefore there's no charge, or such a light one that it'd be a waste of everyone's time? Who knows. I just know that this article cannot be completely accurate.