Prosecutor files misdemeanour assault charge against Avalanche goalie Varlamov

DENVER – Prosecutors filed a misdemeanour assault charge Friday against Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov after his girlfriend said he attacked her last month.

Varlamov, 25, faces one count of third-degree assault. His attorney, Jack Rotole, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

His agent, Paul Theofanous, has said the player is innocent.

Varlamov’s girlfriend, Evgeniya Vavrinyuk, told investigators he attacked her on Oct. 30 in her apartment. She said he knocked her down with a kick and stomped on her chest, according to an arrest affidavit.

She also accused him of dragging her by her hair and telling her that he would have beaten her more if they had been in Russia, authorities said.

The Avalanche said in a statement that team officials were informed of the district attorney’s decision, but would “have no further comment until the entire legal process has concluded.”

Varlamov is free on $5,000 bond and has been travelling and playing with the team. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 2.

The judge who allowed his release ordered Varlamov to stay away from his girlfriend and told him he could not drink alcohol or possess firearms.

If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from probation to six months in jail, prosecutors said.

Varlamov was acquired from Washington in a 2011 trade. He is 11-5 this season with a 2.23 goals-against average.