Nov 18, 2015
Kings suspend contract of prospect facing 12 domestic-related charges
The Los Angeles Kings suspended the contract of goaltender Patrik Bartosak on Wednesday, one day after a New Hampshire newspaper reported that the prospect is facing 12 domestic-related charges in connection with an alleged assault on his girlfriend.
TSN.ca Staff
The Los Angeles Kings suspended the contract of goaltender Patrik Bartosak on Wednesday, one day after a New Hampshire newspaper reported that the prospect is facing 12 domestic-related charges in connection with an alleged assault on his girlfriend.
“This morning our club suspended Patrik Bartosak for his actions resulting in his arrest in Manchester, NH on November 16,” the team said in a statement.
“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.”
Bartosak, 22, is a native of the Czech Republic who has played in the AHL the last two seasons. According to the report in the New Hampshire Union Leader, Bartosak allegedly punched, choked and slapped his girlfriend. He is also facing threatening and stalking charges.
The incident comes two months after Kings general manager Dean Lombardi vowed to make changes to the Kings’ internal program and player education in the wake of three arrests during the 2014-15 season. The team hired former player Brantt Myhres in September as a "player assistance director" to help work with the team as part of their new “Conduct Awareness Training Initiatives.”
Kings defenceman Slava Voynov was arrested for domestic violence in 2014, while former players Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards, were charged with alleged possession of controlled substances in Las Vegas and Manitoba in 2015.