Dave "Tiger" Williams still holds the National Hockey League record for the most penalty minutes, having served 3,966 minutes in the box in his 14-year career.

But now, he could face a much longer period in detention if he's convicted of two serious criminal charges.

The former Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Hartford Whalers winger has been accused of sexual assault and assault on a plane to Latvia in December.

Williams, 64, was a civilian passenger on the flight. It was part of a "sanctioned morale visit" to Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed in the Baltic country.

He was charged by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service on February 7 and will be tried in the civilian justice system. 

"Every allegation of sexual assault is taken seriously by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service," Lt.-Col. Kevin Cadman said in a news release. "In all cases, no matter who the accused is, we strive to restore the dignity of victims by fully investigating their complaints, gathering evidence, reconstructing events, and if warranted, laying appropriate charges.”

In the early 1980s, Williams was a fan favourite in Vancouver, particularly in 1980-81 when he scored a career-high 35 goals.

The following year, he helped the Canucks make the Stanley Cup finals against the New York Islanders.

His most famous goal came in overtime earlier that year in the playoffs against the Calgary Flames.

That same game, Williams received two five-minute penalties for fighting, two two-minute minors for roughing, a two-minute minor for cross-checking, and a two-minute minor for high sticking.