Former NHLER Mike Riberiro to stand trial, faces a lengthy prison sentence

Mike Ribeiro, who played more than 1000 games in the NHL for a number of teams, is now on trial in Mount Vernon, Texas on charges involving allegations from three women. The trial centres around the selling of a home Ribeiro purchased during his time with the Dallas Stars.

According to statements made by the prosecution, it is alleged that Ribeiro, whose address is currently listed as Fresno, CA., was back in Texas in June of 2021 to sell some lake front property he had there. Two of the women claim they were invited to the home after meeting Ribeiro at a nearby restaurant, and they accepted.

One woman alleges Ribeiro tried to touch her inappropriately without consent while she was driving his boat. Another claims the same happened to her while on a jetski with Ribeiro. The third comes from another woman who alleges she went on a jetski with Ribeiro and another very similar incident happened. In all three cases, the women say they made it clear they weren't interested in his advances by either swatting his hand away, elbowing him, and/or verbally.

With the trial beginning last week, a friend of one of the women took the stand saying she had also met Ribeiro at the restaurant. her description of him was not flattering.



The woman said Ribeiro, through text, begged her to come to his place after they exchanged numbers over possible interest in the property on the lake.

The rest of the details from Tuesday are along these lines. Ribeiro has pleaded not guilty to the charges and none of the allegations has been proven in court. No word on whether Ribeiro himself will take the stand or how long the trial is expected to last. East Texas Now has described the trial so far as "graphic" and "very detail-oriented," while describing the energy in the room as "heavy."

Ribeiro was originally drafted in the second round (45th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1998, and played for the team for parts of six seasons before moving on. He then went to the Dallas Stars for six seasons, the Washington and Phoenix (Arizona) for one each, before finally ending up in Nashville. He retired from pro hockey in 2017