Kings’ Voynov pleads not guilty to domestic abuse

Slava Voynov. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

TORRANCE, Calif. — Los Angeles Kings defenceman Slava Voynov has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of domestic violence against his wife.

Voynov entered the plea at his arraignment Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The Russian Olympian’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 15. Voynov and his attorneys didn’t speak to reporters after the brief court appearance.

Prosecutors sought a no-contact order between Voynov and his wife, but the court declined. Voynov’s wife is still living with him, and has said she doesn’t fear him.

Voynov has been suspended by the NHL since a few hours after he was arrested Oct. 20. The two-time Stanley Cup champion has missed 18 games.

Voynov’s legal team now includes Pamela Robillard Mackey, the attorney who defended Kobe Bryant against sexual assault allegations.

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