Charge against former Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy dismissed

A charge of felony fourth-degree sexual abuse against former Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy has been dismissed in Washington.

Craig Renetzky, an attorney of Hardy’s, said by phone Tuesday that his client was happy and relieved.

“He’s very appreciative of the support he’s gotten from friends, family and fans,” Renetzky said, “and he’s really looking forward to moving on with his life.”

Hardy has not been working “because he wanted to focus in on the case,” Renetzky said. “Now that the case is over, he can get back to hockey.”

Hardy, a former Kings defenseman and assistant coach, had been charged in May after a complaint by a family member at a hotel in Washington.

Renetzky said he could not explain the decision by the prosecution in the case. “They reevaluated their case, and they chose not to go forward,” he said. “Now, Mark can move forward and be with his family.”

He said Hardy, who has since completed an alcohol treatment program, “is feeling better than ever. I think we’ll see a new and improved Mark Hardy.

“I think it’s appropriate that the Kings are opening their home season tonight because it’s a new season starting for him too.”

— Helene Elliott

New York Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended by the NHL for two games because of an obscene gesture he made toward the Rangers’ Sean Avery during a game. While playing for the Ducks last season, Wisniewski was suspended on March 17 for eight games after he knocked Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook out of a game with a hard check into the glass. Wisniewski is now considered a repeat offender under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Because of that he will lose two games’ salary instead of two days’ salary.

Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller is urging the NHL to “wake up” and severely punish Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson for his blind-side hit that knocked out Sabres forward Jason Pominville. Miller says a long-term suspension to Hjalmarsson would be a significant step if the league wants to show it’s serious in outlawing such hits.

Detroit Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby, 37, officially retired after a 16-year career and four Stanley Cup wins.

ETC.

James leaves game with cramps

LeBron James left the Miami Heat’s exhibition game against CSKA Moscow in Miami after grabbing at his right hamstring in obvious discomfort. The Heat said James was cramping, and he didn’t return to the game. James had played 26 minutes in the exhibition, scoring 22 points with seven assists and four rebounds.

Fourth-seeded Dominika Cibulkova was upset by qualifier Eleni Daniilidou, 6-2, 6-4, in the first round of the Generali Ladies tennis event at Linz, Austria. … Andy Roddick and John Isner advanced to the second round of the Shanghai Masters.

Ex- NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel is showing some positive signs in the hospital as he recovers from a crash over the weekend in Indiana. The U.S. Auto Club said Tuesday that the 30-year-old Hmiel remains in critical but stable condition at an Indianapolis hospital with fractures in his neck and back.

Former Sacramento Monarchs coach and general manager John Whisenant was hired to fill both roles for the New York Liberty.

British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has withdrawn from next week’s PGA Grand Slam of Golf. He was replaced in the four-man field by David Toms.