Avalanche recall Roman Will; Varlamov civil trial continues

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled goaltender Roman Will from the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League. Will, 23, will serve as the backup for the Avalanche behind Calvin Pickard for the team’s Wednesday night tilt in San Jose as the Avalanche take on the Sharks. Will has appeared in 16 games for the Rampage, compiling a 6-5-2 record with a 3.38 goals-against-average on an .895 save percentage. Because Will has been called up on an “emergency” basis, the Avalanche do not have to make a corresponding move to trim their roster down to 23.

The reason for Will’s call-up is Semyon Varlamov‘s civil trial with former girlfriend Evgeniya Vavrinyuk, who is seeking unspecified monetary damages for injuries, medical costs, shame, and emotional distress. Vavrinyuk alleges that Varlamov, while in a drunken state, repeatedly punched and kicked her and dragged her by her hair in a 2013 incident in the couple’s apartment.

The trial has been tentatively scheduled to last through Friday as Varlamov’s name appears on the docket everyday this week but can end earlier if the case closes and the jury reaches a quick decision. While the trial is ongoing, Varlamov will not travel with the team and Will shall serve as backup to Pickard. It will be Will’s first appearance in the NHL.