CALGARY -- The Calgary Flames say left-winger Michael Ferland has been charged with assault as a result of an incident outside a bar in Cochrane, Alta.
The Flames said Tuesday in a statement that team officials met with 20-year-old Ferland, who was drafted by Calgary in 2010 and played with the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings, and are taking steps to learn more about the incident.
RCMP officers were called to a disturbance on July 29 outside a bar and found a man had been pushed to the ground.
Police say a man who tried to assist the victim was struck in the face and knocked unconscious, and suffered a fractured orbital bone.
Investigators say Ferland, of Brandon, Man., is charged with aggravated assault and assault. Ferland was released from an RCMP detachment after he promised to appear in court. He is scheduled to appear in Cochrane court Sept. 4.
Ferland said in a statement he denies any wrongdoing in the incident.
"It upset me to hear that someone might have been hurt and I am embarrassed by these accusations but I trust the court process and look forward to having this situation behind me as soon as possible," Ferland said.
Due to legal considerations, the Flames say the team is unable to provide much comment about the situation.
"While embarrassed, Michael maintains he is innocent with respect to the charges," the Flames' statement said. "The organization will support Michael as he moves through the legal process."
