ORONO (AP) – Two University of Maine hockey players have been freed on $5,000 personal recognizance bail each after being charged with assault and aggravated criminal mischief for allegedly beating another student at his Orono apartment.

Michael Hamilton, 22, of Victoria, British Columbia, and Wesley Clark, 22, of Oakville, Ontario, are scheduled to appear Dec. 23 in Bangor District Court in connection with the Sunday night incident that police say apparently involved a dispute over Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend.

The 21-year-old victim was driven by friends to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he was released after receiving stitches over his left eye. After he reported the incident to police, Hamilton and Clark were arrested at their apartments and were taken to the Penobscot County Jail.

Others may be charged in connection with the fight, police said. At least a dozen people, including other members of the hockey team, accompanied Hamilton when he went to the Washington Place apartments to confront the man who lives there, according to police.

After Hamilton and the other man exchanged words, Hamilton allegedly assaulted the man in the apartment doorway and the fight spilled indoors. Clark and four others entered the apartment building, where Clark allegedly punched and kicked the man.

Hamilton and Clark “regretted their actions,” according to interim athletic director Blake James, who met with the two players Monday. He said they will be punished in accordance with the university’s Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, with decisions expected within a few days.

Hamilton, a junior, and Clark, a sophomore, are both forwards. Hamilton was sidelined after suffering a knee injury in Maine’s 2-1 loss to Boston University nine days ago. Clark broke his leg during the off-season and has not yet played this season, although he recently resumed skating.

Hamilton, a member of one of Maine’s top lines, had three assists in nine games this season. In his first two seasons he had a total of 10 goals and 21 assists. Clark had two goals and an assist last season.

Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-11-15-05 0914EST

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