How many times have we heard the story of alcohol leading to assault? How many more times have we heard the story recently of alcohol and girls not being a great mix for student athletes in some cases?
The former USHL netminder who has been the University of New Hampshire’s top goalie since his freshman season was due to begin his senior season in just a few weeks.
That all changed when a call was received at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, from the female victim. According to the police report and Durham Deputy Police Chief Renee Kelley, the victim was “thrown to the ground, jumped on top of and was repeatedly punched and spat upon.” DeSmith, “appeared intoxicated” and police said that when they arrived, the victim had “physical evidence” on her body.
DeSmith was arrested for the assault and taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Once at the hospital DeSmith allegedly resisted officers leading to a resisting arrest charge being added.
DeSmith was taken to Strafford County Jail and released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail.
The University made the following statement regarding the arrest;
“The University of New Hampshire is aware of Casey DeSmith’s arrest. The university takes the allegations very seriously and will always act to ensure the health and safety of our community. The university will treat this report with the seriousness that it deserves and in a manner consistent with our handling of similar cases involving any UNH student. Consistent with our policies regarding student athletes charged with this type of behavior, Mr. DeSmith has been suspended from the men’s hockey team pending further investigation into the matter.”
A Rochester New Hampshire native, DeSmith has been the Wildcats’ starting goalie since his freshman season in 2011. Last year, he posted a 20-16-0 record in net and three shutouts and helped the Wildcats reach the Hockey East Championship game where they fell 4-0 to UMass Lowell.
Joe Hughes
