Denver, CO -- Free agent center Steve Moore filed a lawsuit in Denver District Court earlier this week against Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks hockey club in connection with Bertuzzi's vicious on-ice hit against the former Colorado player last March.

Bertuzzi pleaded guilty in December to assault charges.

The lawsuit filed by Moore's attorney Lee Foreman on Tuesday alleges claims of "civil conspiracy, assault, battery and negligence." Foreman went on to say in the statement that "though Moore's ultimate recovery remains uncertain, his claims were made now due to certain statute of limitations under Colorado law."

Defendants in the case include the Canucks, the partnership that owns the franchise (Orca Bay Hockey Limited Partnership), head coach Marc Crawford, former Vancouver general manager Brian Burke, Bertuzzi and teammate Brad May.

Moore, who became an unrestricted free agent after the Avalanche decided not to re-sign him, is still recovering from injuries sustained in the brutal incident, which took place on March 8, 2004 during a game between the two clubs in Vancouver.

Bertuzzi punched Moore in the head from behind and then jumped on his back and drove him face-first into the ice, knocking him unconscious. Moore, who in the previous month delivered a hard hit to Vancouver captain Markus Naslund, laid motionless in a puddle of blood before being carted off on a stretcher.

Moore was hospitalized with a broken neck, a concussion and deep cuts on his face. It is still unknown if he will be able to play again. Moore had previously stated that he would only file a civil lawsuit against Bertuzzi if doctors said he could not resume his career.

Bertuzzi was charged with "assault causing actual bodily harm," and pleaded guilty. He was granted a conditional discharge and will not have a criminal record, but must perform community service.

Bertuzzi was scheduled to go on trial in mid-January and faced a maximum prison sentence of 18 months if convicted.

The NHL came down hard on Bertuzzi, who was suspended for the final 13 games of the regular season as well as the 2004 playoffs. The penalty cost him more than $500,000 of his $6.8 million salary. He must ask for reinstatement when the NHL resumes play. In addition, the Canucks were fined $250,000.

Bertuzzi was also barred by the International Ice Hockey Federation from playing in Europe during the NHL lockout.