NHL NOTEBOOK

Blackhawks’ Kane pleads not guilty in cab driver beating:

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chicago Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane and his cousin have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges that they beat up a cab driver over a fare.

Kane, 20, and his cousin James Kane, 21, pleaded not guilty during a brief arraignment before Buffalo judge Thomas Amodeo. The appearance came a day after the two were indicted by a grand jury. The panel dismissed a more serious felony charge of second-degree robbery.

The Kanes were arrested Aug. 9 after cabbie Jan Radecki told police they attacked him when he said he didn’t have 20 cents in change for the fare. The driver had bruises and broken glasses.

The judge adjourned the case until Aug. 27 and granted a defense request that the Kanes do not need to appear at that session. They’re free without bail.

Patrick Kane, who grew up in Buffalo, was the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft and the NHL’s rookie of the year in 2008.

Caps goalie’s infant son dies

MONTREAL — The 2-month-old son of Washington Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore has died. The goalie’s sister-in-law made the announcement Thursday during her show on a Montreal-area radio station. Veronique Cloutier, whose sister Stephanie is married to Theodore, did not give details.

Ducks sign defenseman

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed defenseman Brett Festerling to a two-year contract through the 2010-11 season. Festerling played 40 games with Anaheim as a rookie last season, recording five assists and 18 penalty minutes.

Sabres continue bulking up

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Rugged left wing Jeff Cowan has signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, who are adding muscle to their roster this offseason. Cowan, 6-foot-2 and 205 pound, is an eight-year NHL veteran but spent last season playing for Peoria in the American Hockey League. He previously played two years with Vancouver, where he combined for seven goals, four assists and 203 penalty minutes in 88 games.

Associated Press