CALGARY — Former National Hockey League defenceman Jason Smith is facing criminal charges after being arrested for domestic assault.
Smith, 36, who retired in 2009 after 15 seasons in the NHL, is charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement.
Police were called to a Calgary home on the evening of Aug. 10. Smith’s wife and daughter were home at the time.
The Smiths live in Greely, Ont., but were spending the summer in Calgary, Smith’s hometown.
Although the charges against Smith are serious, his defence lawyer said they don’t reflect the reality of the incident.
“There’s another side to the story. A different version will surface when the charges are being read in court. People are quick to make judgments,” lawyer Alain Hepner said.
“I think that so many families have issues that the public is not concerned about and it’s sad that a high-profile person has to have his laundry aired in public.”
Police said little about the investigation as it moves to court Sept. 17, but did say that celebrity suspects are not given special treatment.
“No one is immune. This would be like any other incident,” said Staff Sgt. Harv Davies.
“Based on the facts and evidence they would have gathered at the scene, charges were laid,” he said.
Smith was released on $1,000 bail and must refrain from drugs, alcohol and weapons. He’s not allowed near the family or their home.
Smith played for the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators during his career.
He was captain of the Oilers for five seasons, including the 2005-06 season, when the Oilers lost in Stanley Cup final in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Calgary Herald
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Former Oilers captain Smith faces domestic assault charges
Jason Smith faces domestic assault charges
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