Avs' Varlamov arrested on domestic violence charges

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov turned himself in to Denver Police Department detectives Wednesday on domestic violence-related charges. Police said he is in Denver County Jail.

Police said Varlamov was arrested on second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault charges. The kidnapping charge is a Class 4 felony, punishable by two to six years in prison under Colorado statutes; the assault charge is a misdemeanor.

The Denver Post reported that Varlamov will remain in jail at least overnight because he cannot post bail with an assault charge; he will appear before a judge Thursday morning. Varlamov, jail officials said, is in a cell alone because of his celebrity. When reached by the Post on his cellphone at the jail, Varlamov declined to comment.

"The League is aware of the situation involving Semyon Varlamov," said an NHL spokesman. "We will not comment unless or until we have a fuller understanding of all of the facts and circumstances related to the legal charges that have been filed."

The Avalanche said in a statement the team "is aware of the allegations concerning Semyon Varlamov. At this time, and until the conclusion of this investigation, the Avalanche organization will have no further comment on this situation."

In a statement sent to ESPN.com on Thursday, Varlamov's agent, Paul Theofanous, said: "My client Semyon Varlamov is completely innocent of all of these charges."

Colorado coach Patrick Roy had no comment when reached by phone by the Post on Wednesday night.

Varlamov, 25, is 7-1-0 as the starting goalie for the Avalanche this season, his third with the team. Colorado's next game is Friday night against the Dallas Stars at America Airlines Center.