AN ICE hockey player has appeared before magistrates to face a charge of breaking another player's jaw in a fight during a game at Bradford Ice Rink.

Bradford Bulldogs forward Macauley Stones today pleaded not guilty to wounding an opponent during a match on September 19 last year.

Stones, 19, of Wesley Avenue, Low Moor, Bradford, is accused of becoming involved in a brawl with Nottingham Lions forward Reece Glossop during the Bulldogs' 5-4 defeat, Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court was told.

Outlining the proceedings against Stones to magistrates, Niall Carlin, prosecuting, said: "There was a fight between the defendant and the complainant during the ice hockey match. There is evidence to suggest that fights are commonplace in ice hockey games.

"The complainant was not a particularly willing participant."

Mr Carlin added: "The defendant had no injuries. The complainant was punched to the face and hit even when on his knees."

The court heard that Mr Glossop suffered a broken jaw and spent two nights in hospital. Mr Carlin said Mr Glossop had needed plates and screws inserting into his jaw.

Magistrates committed the case for trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Stones was remanded on conditional bail to make his first appearance at the higher court on February 23 - two days after the Bulldogs are due to face the Lions in Nottingham.

The conditions of his bail are to not contact Mr Glossop.

Bradford Bulldogs play in the English Ice Hockey Association, NIHL North 2. The team currently lies in seventh place out of eight teams.

According to statistics on the club's website, Stones has no goals and one assist to his name for the season.

Mr Glossop, 22, of Nottingham, has played two games for his club this season.