MONTREAL, Que. -- A hockey celebrity-turned-politician, running in an upcoming federal byelection for the Green party, has confirmed that he is facing fraud charges. Georges Laraque has told The Canadian Press that hes innocent of the alleged crimes and intends to remain a candidate in an upcoming Montreal byelection. He says his party is aware of the allegations, which stem from a previously reported dispute with a former business partner, and has been supportive. Laraque confirmed a report by the French-language sports network RDS that the provinces director of criminal and penal prosecutions has recommended charges following an investigation by Longueuil municipal police. Earlier this year, it was publicly reported that the police raided his home in search of documents related to the Super-Glide synthetic ice venture. Laraque confirmed in an interview Wednesday night that the criminal charges are related to two transactions worth a total of $120,000. He said the accusations stem from a dispute with engineer Marc Filion, who co-founded the company with him in 2009. "I find it bizarre to hear that Im being accused of fraud by an associate who didnt put a single penny into the company," Laraque told The Canadian Press. He has a court appearance scheduled for Nov. 19. In the meantime, he plans to continue door-knocking in Montreals Bourassa riding. The vegan animal-rights activist is vying to become the countrys second Green MP, after leader Elizabeth May, when a byelection is called there. He conceded, however, that the criminal allegations will make his task more difficult. "Its obviously not good and Ill have to spend a lot of time offering explanations, to reassure people. Ill have to explain that this isnt the Charbonneau commission and this has nothing to do with the Mafia," Laraque said. But he added that hes benefiting from the support of his party, for which he holds a formal role as deputy leader. "Theyve seen my defence and have seen the witnesses defending me. They were reassured to see that even if I have to go to court, Ill get through this." In the past, May has defended Laraque but said shed ask him to step aside as deputy leader for the duration of any investigation if he were the focus of the police probe. Laraque told The Canadian Press hes considering a defamation suit against his rival in the affair and, as for his own case, hes eager to get started. "I want it to begin, because this things been dragging on for two years. I have nothing to hide." Before his career as an activist and politician, the 36-year-old Laraque played for four NHL teams between 1997 and 2010 and was best-known for his fighting skills. China Jerseys Outlet . Sterling was banned for life and fined US$2.5 million by the NBA on Tuesday for racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation. Nash, who plays for the rival L.A. 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With the Pirates in the thick of the race in the NL Central, the timing couldnt be better. Liriano struck out a season-high 11 in seven innings to win consecutive starts for the first time this season and Pittsburgh beat the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Tuesday night. Wholesale China Jerseys . According to TSN Edmonton reporter Ryan Rishaug, agent Rick Valette met with Oilers senior VP of hockey operations Scott Howson and general manager Craig MacTavish on Monday to kick off the talks. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals shook up their coaching staff Thursday in an attempt to jumpstart their failing offence, making Dale Sveum the hitting coach and Mike Jirschele their third base coach. Pedro Grifol, who took over as hitting coach last season, will now instruct catchers. The moves were announced after the Royals finished off a disastrous homestand that included a sweep at the hands of Houston, and before they opened a four-game series in Toronto. Sveum said the Royals havent done a good enough job this season of hitting pitches in the upper half of the strike zone. "The bottom line is weve struggled with elevation and weve swung at pitches down in the zone probably way too much," he said. "From thigh high to the top of the strike zone, were not doing enough damage." The Royals began the day last in the majors with 21 homers, putting them on pace to match the 1976 club for the fewest in franchise history for a non-strike-shortened season. Theyre also last in the American League in runs and slugging percentage. "There is not one man in the lineup thats hitting the ball well," Royals designated hitter Billy Butler said Wednesday. "Were just cold." Yost said "a different voice can make a difference," to struggling batters, but the Royals have heard plenty of voices about hitting: Sveum is Kansas Citys fifth hitting coach in lless than three seasons.dddddddddddd The Royals let go of Kevin Seitzer two years ago in the hope that somebody else would help the club generate more power. Seitzer was eventually hired by the Blue Jays, who currently lead the majors with 76 homers -- more than Kansas City is on pace for all season. Jack Maloof and Andre David were hired before last season, but they only made it a couple of months before they were reassigned within the franchise. It was at that point that the Royals hired Grifol and Hall of Famer George Brett on an interim basis. The Royals showed signs of life once that duo was in charge, slowly climbing into playoff contention. Grifol was given the job on a full-time basis after Brett stepped down in July, but lasted less than a year in the role. "Hes the one that pulled us out of our trouble last year," Yost said of Grifol Thursday. "A year later, we find ourselves in the exact same spot." Sveum, a former Brewers and Cubs manager, had been serving as the Royals third base coach. But he also has plenty of experience as a hitting coach, helping Milwaukee finish in the top three of the National League in homers in each of his three seasons. "Hes got experience, he studies hitting," Yost said. "Hes got a lot of knowledge. He helped Prince Fielder get, in my opinion, to the next level as an offensive performer." ' ' '