THE SIDELINES : Trial Ordered for Flames’ Suter

Calgary Flames defenseman Gary Suter has been ordered to stand trial on a felony charge of battery to a police officer for his part in a melee outside a tavern.

Suter, 26, appeared Wednesday before Dane County Court Commissioner Todd Meurer. No trial date was scheduled.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Suter, free on bond, planned to return to Calgary later this month to get ready for the upcoming NHL season, said his attorney, Bruce Rosen.

The charge stemmed from a June 28 incident in which two plainclothes police officers tried to arrest Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios for allegedly urinating on the sidewalk in front of a downtown tavern. Madison Police Officer Mark Bradley testified that Suter came out of the tavern while the officers were struggling with Chelios. Bradley said he displayed his badge and identified himself as a police officer, but Suter responded by punching him in the face.