Jets’ forward Evander Kane says it was he who was attacked by man suing him

WINNIPEG – Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane says he did throw three punches but only in defence as he was attacked in Vancouver by a man now suing him for assault.

Vancouver resident Lev Makievsky has said he was returning home from work Aug. 10, 2013, in the downtown area when he was assaulted by Kane, who is from Vancouver.

His statement of claim gave no details of the alleged incident but listed a long series of injuries he says he incurred, including a concussion and an unnamed permanent physical disability.

Kane’s lawyers have filed a response that says he has known Makievsky for about four years and encountered him at about 2 a.m. on the date in question.

It says Makievsky tried to get Kane to fight and when he declined, charged and swung at Kane, who responded with three punches and knocked his attacker down. Then, as Makievsky got up and swung again, Kane pushed him down and left.

Kane’s response notes Vancouver police investigated and declined to lay charges.