Hockey player named in suit over dog attack

A 2003 dog attack that killed a Norwich terrier puppy and injured its 66-year-old owner may land Sharks defenseman Mike Rathje in a San Jose courtroom next month. A civil suit filed by Sara Whitlock contends Rathje and his wife, Shayna, are responsible for damage caused by their 95-pound American bulldog, Max, after he escaped from the family's back yard next to Los Alamitos Creek Trail. Whitlock had just arrived at the park to walk Banjo, her 15-pound, 10-month-old puppy.

A settlement conference is scheduled for Aug. 10 and, if no agreement is reached, a trial could begin five days later.