Hasek likely to face charges for hurting player in inline game

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Police completed their investigation of Dominik Hasek and say charges should be brought against the NHL star for hurting a player during an inline hockey game.

Hasek, the Detroit Red Wings goaltender who is coming out of retirement, has denied any wrongdoing.

Police investigated for two months and on Wednesday sent their report to the state prosecutor, who will decide whether Hasek will be formally charged with causing bodily harm, an offense punishable by up to eight years in prison, police spokeswoman Ilona Kratochvilova said Friday.

She said police relied on eyewitness accounts and medical reports from the hospital where the injured played was treated.

Police began investigating Hasek after a May 18 game in Pardubice. Hasek, playing for Bonfire Strida, collided with Martin Sila of SK Pardubice. According to media reports, Hasek knocked Sila down with a crosscheck to the back, sat on him and hit him in the neck several times with his stick.

Kratochvilova declined to provide details about Sila's injuries.

Hasek would like to have the case settled as soon as possible, his press representative, Roman Hozak, told the Associated Press on Friday.

Hasek is a six-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's best goalie and two-time Hart Trophy winner as the league's most valuable player. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1998.

He retired from the NHL in 2002, having led the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title, and lives in the Czech Republic. Several weeks after the inline game, Hasek startled fans by announcing his return to Detroit.