BUFFALO, NY, USA Mistaking the back seat of a taxi for an NHL rink, Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, along with his cousin, James Kane, attacked a cab driver following a night out of clubbing in Buffalo. The pugnacious pair became enraged when the cabbie shorted them a mere twenty cents because he didn't have the correct change to give them.
According to a police report, the cab driver was punched in the face and head, grabbed by the throat and had his glasses broken during the incident.
Both men were charged with second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, as well as fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of services, both Class A misdemeanors.
Patrick Kane earned $875,000 last season; a Blackhawks spokesman said the organization is aware of the charges that have been filed against Kane, stating "we stand behind him".
In 2008, Kane won the Calder Trophy, which is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's "Best Crookie", and after this new incident, is considered a shoo in for 2009 as well.
