Former NHLer Jason Smith charged with assault after Calgary incident

Former National Hockey League star Jason Smith is facing criminal charges after being arrested for domestic assault in Calgary.

Smith, 36, a former Edmonton Oilers captain for five seasons who retired from the Ottawa Senators in 2009, is charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.

Police were called to a southwest home at 8 p.m. on Aug. 10.

The family, which lives in Greely, Ont., was spending the summer in Calgary.

Although the charges against the Calgarian are serious, Smith’s defence lawyer says 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," said lawyer Alain Hepner. "People are quick to make judgments,"

"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 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."

Smith was released on $1,000 bail and must refrain from drugs and alcohol and not possess weapons. He is not allowed near the family or their home.

Smith played in the NHL from 1993 to 2009.

He served as the Oilers’ captain from 2001 to 2007, tying Wayne Gretzky as the longest-serving team leader.

In 2008, he signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators worth $2.6 million US per season. He retired from the NHL the following year.

szickefoose@theherald.canwest.com