IndyCar Driver Accuses Red Wings Player of Assault in Nightclub

Around the NHL today, there is a bizarre story coming out of Detroit.

IndyCar driver Zach Claman DeMelo accused a Red Wings player of assault, according to a report in Detroit Hockey Now.

DeMelo said Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong assaulted him in a nightclub when the Detroit Grand Prix was in the Motor City, according to the Detroit Hockey Now report.

DeMelo, who is from Montreal, alleges there were two separate incidents involving Sprong, who is from the Netherlands.

DeMelo posted photos on Instagram that he claims are injuries inflicted by Sprong. The photos appear to show DeMelo’s chipped teeth and a bloody mouth.

Social media post

DeMelo posted this about Sprong: “He grabbed my neck and pinned me on a wall, we were separated during that scuffle. After when I had believed the situation was over Daniel scame (sic) back and sucker punched me in the face when I was defenceless.

“The dental work was brutal and I’m still not finished. I also sustained a concussion that I’ve been dealing with over the past few weeks.

“I just wanted to bring attention to this situation as no one has the right to act this way, especially an athlete of Daniel’s caliber.

“We must hold our self to the highest standards and for him to do this is beyond disappointing. Due to legal reasons I cannot say more at this time.”

There is no word on any legal action. Sprong signed a one-year contract with Detroit in July. He scored a career-high 21 goals last season for Seattle.

Neither the Red Wings nor Sprong have made a public statement about the alleged incident, according to Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Grand Prix was held on June 4 in downtown Detroit.

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Around The National Hockey Network:

Boston Hockey Now: Bruins’ Trent Frederick still open to playing center.

Buffalo Hockey Now: Sabres add two to hockey department.

Carolina Hockey Now: Hurricanes expected to sign defenseman Caleb Jones.

Chicago Hockey Now: NHL Network rankings of centers a good gauge for Blackhawks’ prospects.

Colorado Hockey Now: Five Avalanche players who never looked right in other uniforms. On the list: Peter Forsberg.

Detroit Hockey Now: More Steve Yzerman draftees might join Red Wings next season. Plus, more on the alleged IndyCar incident.

Montreal Hockey Now: Projected Canadiens lineup and salary cap with and without Jeff Petry.

Nashville Hockey Now: Several Predators projected to make World Juniors rosters.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Does Erik Karlsson make the Penguins a Stanley Cup contender?

Vegas Hockey Now: Golden Knights’ expectations for Ivan Barbashev.