Ceci files statement of defense against $8.6M lawsuit

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Ceci and his partner filed a statement of defense Tuesday against the $8.6-million lawsuit by a woman who was burned at a 2018 dinner party at Ceci's house, according to The Canadian Press.

Hana Engel suffered severe burns in an incident involving an outdoor tabletop fireplace. According to Engel's suit, Ceci's partner Jamie Thompson ignited Engel with flaming liquid fuel while trying to refill a burner on the fireplace. Ceci and Thompson denied any negligence in Tuesday's filing.

Engel filed the initial lawsuit July 23 against Ceci, Thompson, fireplace manufacturer Clair De Lune Products Inc., and its distributor Orca Lite.

No criminal charges were laid.

Ceci and Thompson's statement of defense includes a crossclaim against the manufacturer and distributor of the product, seeking to have all their legal costs covered. The statement also alleges that any damages were caused solely by the negligence of Clair De Lune and Orca Lite.