Avs Goalie Returns to Court in Domestic Violence Case

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov appeared in court briefly Monday on a domestic violence charge involving his girlfriend.

Varlamov answered questions from a judge during the hearing in Denver and left without comment with his lawyers.

The 25-year-old was charged last month with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, for allegedly attacking his girlfriend at their apartment on Oct. 30.

According to an arrest affidavit, she said he knocked her down with a kick, stomped on her chest and dragged her by her hair. His agent has said he is innocent.

Varlamov is one of NHL's hottest goalies and has helped propel the Avalanche to a franchise-best 19-6 start.

He is free on $5,000 bond and has been traveling and playing with the team. He has not entered a plea.