Kings suspend Patrik Bartosak; prospect accused of 12 domestic-related charges

The Los Angeles Kings announced Wednesday they have suspended goaltending prospect Patrik Bartosak, who is accused in New Hampshire of 12 domestic-related charges involving his girlfriend, including a felony assault charge alleging he attempted to strangle her at an apartment.

The 22-year-old Bartosask, who was a fifth-round pick by the Kings in the 2013 NHL draft, was arrested Monday and waived arraignment Tuesday in circuit court in Manchester. He is scheduled for a hearing on the assault charge on Dec. 16 and will face trial on the 11 misdemeanors in January, which include simple assault, criminal threatening, and stalking. He is currently free on $10,000 bond.

“This morning our club suspended Patrik Bartosak for his actions resulting in his arrest in Manchest, New Hampshire on November 16,” the Kings 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 played for the American Hockey League’s Manchester Monarchs for two seasons, where he held a record of 16-9-5, including three shutouts.

For the 2015-2016 season, the Monarchs switched places with the Kings affiliate in the ECHL, the Ontario Reign, and relocated to California. Bartosak was re-assigned to the Monarchs on Friday.

In 2014, former Kings defenseman Slava Voynov was arrested after his wife was taken to a hospital after Voynov hit his wife on the head with a flat screen television, opening a gash that required eight stitches. Voynov pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence and was sentenced to 90 days in jail this past summer, along with three years of probation.

Oct 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov (26) against the Edmonton Oilers at the Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports