Chicago Blackhawks F Kane arrested in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, the NHL's best rookie in 2008, was charged with robbery and other counts following an altercation with a cab driver in his hometown.

Buffalo police said the 20-year-old Kane and a 21-year-old cousin, James Kane, had apparently caught a cab from the city's downtown nightclub district at about 4 a.m. Sunday. The cab driver suffered cuts to his face and his glasses were damaged after being struck in the face and head, police spokesman Michael DeGeorge said.

Both men were charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft of services and criminal mischief.

A message left at Kane's parents' home was not immediately returned Sunday afternoon. Relatives who answered his grandfather's phone and his mother's cell phone declined to comment and could not say whether Kane had an attorney.

Kane's agent, Pat Brisson, did not immediately return a call for comment and messages left Sunday for Blackhawks spokesmen in Chicago were not immediately returned.

WIVB-TV reported that Kane pleaded not guilty in City Court Sunday morning.

Kane has played his first two NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and had 46 goals and 96 assists. He won the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie, in 2008.