Avs coach testifies Varlamov told him girlfriend hit him

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy says that after goaltender Semyon Varlamov was arrested on charges of assaulting his girlfriend in 2013, Varlamov told him the woman had hit him.

The Denver Post reports (http://tinyurl.com/zjbjd5w) Roy testified Thursday in a civil lawsuit the woman filed against Varlamov.

Varlamov was arrested but an assault charge was later dropped.

The woman claims Varlamov kicked her and held her down with his knee. Roy testified that Varlamov told him the woman began punching him, so he locked himself in a bedroom and didn't retaliate.

Roy said Varlamov had marks on his upper body, chest and neck.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for loss of income, injuries and humiliation.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they are victims of domestic abuse.