NHL Star Arrested For Drunk Driving

Defensive star of the NHL Florida Panthers, Jay Bouwmeester, was arrested for drunk driving in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Bouwmeester, 22, was arrested for drunk driving around 4 am last August near a popular nightclub area called Whyte Avenue. That same area was the scene of fan rioting following the Edmonton Oilers loss in the Stanley Cup finals to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this year. Bouwmeester was seen swerving in his car by an off-duty police officer. His blood alcohol content registered above the legal limit of .08 and he was charged with impaired driving.

The DUI arrest is something of a surprise for a man noted for his reserved, soft-spoken demeanor. He has handled stardom from an early age and has been recognized as a team leader who sets a positive example both on and off the ice.

During a recent arraignment Bouwmeester did not appear in court. Instead, he was represented by his DUI defense attorney. No plea was entered, pending the defense team’s gathering and analysis of evidence from prosecution. A second court date has been scheduled for early October.

A native of Edmonton and a former junior star for Medicine Hat, Bouwmeester was selected third in the 2002 NHL draft. Last July a salary arbitrator awarded the 6’4" 210 pound defenseman a two year, $4.35 million contract. His speed, power and agility are considered outstanding, especially for someone of his size. The Edmonton Oilers are contemplating trading for Bouwmeester.

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