Just days before he was scheduled for trial for allegedly punching and kicking his wife, and shoving her into a television at their Redondo Beach home, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov pleaded no contest today to a domestic violence charge that will earn him 90 days in jail.

The misdemeanor conviction means the Russian hockey player can remain in the United States, but federal officials ultimately would control his status in the country. All state convictions can result in deportation, but decisions on visas and travel are up to the Department of Homeland Security.

Through a Russian interpreter, Voynov pleaded “no contest” to the misdemeanor count, which additionally will place him on three years probation, require him to complete a 52-session domestic violence counseling program, pay about $700 in fines, and attend eight hours of community service.

If he violates probation, he could serve up to 364 days in county jail.

Torrance Superior Court Judge Eric Taylor accepted the plea, which is treated the same as a guilty plea.

Voynov, who initially was charged with a felony that could have sent him to prison, can serve his 90 days in county jail, or at a local city jail, where he would have to pay. He must serve half his sentence before his release, but his ultimate service time would be up to the Sheriff’s Department because of overcrowding issues. If Voynov chooses a city jail, he possibly would serve more time than at the county jail.

“I think we were able to reach a fair dispotition that reflects the conduct, ensures protection of the victim as well as the community,” Deputy District Attorney Frank Dunnick said.

Voynov, accompanied by his wife, Marta Varlamova, declined to talk to reporters, who were headed off in a court hallway by his attorney, Pamela Mackey. Mackey and fellow defense attorney, Blair Berk, also had no statements.

Voynov’s representative, Rolland Hedges, released a statement “Voynov and his family are grateful that this matter is nearly at an end.”

“Mr. Voynov accepts responsibility for his actions the night of the incident and will complete his sentence as required by the court,” Hedges said. “Mr. Voynov and his wife believe that ending domestic violence both inside and outside of professional sports must be a high priority. They fully support that goal and from the time of the incident Mr. Voynov has been and remains fully committed to long-term therapy and counseling, individually and with his family.”

After charges were filed in November, Voynov, 25, pleaded not guilty to the felony domestic violence count that accused him of causing great bodily injury to his wife during an argument in their Avenue C home Oct. 19. Varlamova required eight stitches for a 1 1/2-inch gash above her left eye. Voynov’s attorney at the time, Craig Renetzky, said the injury resulted from accident.

Redondo Beach police arrested Voynov early Oct. 20 at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center. The National Hockey League immediately suspended him.

Testimony and court documents during the lead-up to next week’s scheduled trial revealed Voynov allegedly punched his wife at a Kings team Halloween party in Manhattan Beach, then kicked and choked her at home. He allegedly pushed her into the corner of a flat-screen television in their bedroom, causing the gash.

For months the case focused on Varlamova’s refusal to testify against her husband, and whether statements she made to police and nurses could be used during the trial. Varlamova told police and nurses that it was not the first time that Voynov hit her.

Dunnick, who at least twice wanted to put Varlamova on the witness stand during pre-trial proceedings, declined to say if Varlamova’s refusal resulted in the plea deal.

“It’s not uncommon for cases of domestic violence to encounter victims who are uncomfortable frotable with the notion of testifying,” Dunnick said. “We were able to reach a fair dispostition, something that reflected the conduct and was basically fair across the board to what we would give other defendants.”

In court documents, attorneys said Varlamova did not want details of her marriage to become public.

In recent days, Voynov’s attorneys met with prosecutors to come to an agreement reducing the case to a misdemeanor that would allow him to resume his career. All defendants, whether citizens or not, who are convicted in any case, are told they potentially could be deported if they are not citizens.

Although they did not comment, Voynov’s attorneys would not have agreed to any deal that resulted in a deportation.

Voynov, who must surrender to jail on July 14, might not be able to resume his career immediately when he has served his time. Besides his league suspension, Voynov also was recently suspended by the team for what was described as an “off-ice injury.” Voynov tore an Achilles tendon during the season and appeared in court with a white cast on one leg.

His employer issued a statement saying “the legal system has effectively resolved this matter and the punishment is fair and just.”

“Any act of domestic violence is unacceptable. As an organization, the prevention of domestic violence and the education of our players and employees is of paramount importance. We will continue to actively develop and implement a strategy to deliver this message. We remain steadfast in our support of the National Hockey League as they now begin their own investigative process. Until that is complete we will withhold further comment.”

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league was aware of the court developments and Voynov’s status remained unchanged.

“At an appropriate time, I am sure we will be in touch with Mr. Voynov and the NHLPA with respect to next steps regarding the League’s review and further handling of the events at issue.” Daily said.