The Los Angeles Kings have suspended the contract of goaltender Patrik Bartosak, the club announced via official release Wednesday.
Bartosak is facing 12 “domestic-related charges” stemming from an alleged altercation with his girlfriend on Monday.
Via Los Angeles Kings team release:
“This morning our Club suspended Patrik Bartosak for his actions resulting in his arrest in Manchester, NH on November 16. We take this matter very seriously. Our response in this matter reflects our extreme disappointment, particularly given the programs we have instituted internally and the commitment our organization has made to educating our players on the prevention of domestic violence. This is the first step in an ongoing process as we continue to gather information related to this incident and monitor the legal proceedings.”
The suspension is reportedly without pay.
The Czech native was sent by the Kings current AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, back to the Monarchs (now an ECHL team) on Friday.
The charges being faced by Bartosak include: a felony charge of second degree assault which alleges an attempted strangling by Bartosak, seven domestic simple assault charges alleging more physical violence, and three criminal threatening charges.
Bartosak is currently free on $10,000 bond.
