He was a very physical player, even in junior with the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Calgary Centennials. In 1976-77 (his last year) Rissling got 317 minutes in penalties as well as 40 goals and 40 assists. Undrafted by any NHL team, he turned pro in 1977 with the Port Huron Flags and was penalized for 341 minutes in 1977-78. The Washington Capitals signed him as a free agent in 1978. He split the next two seasons between the Capitals and the Hershey Bears. In January, 1981 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.