Byfuglien laments boating incident

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien reported for training camp Friday and spoke briefly about his recent legal troubles in the United States.

The 26-year-old was arrested on Aug. 31 on Lake Minnetonka near Minneapolis, on allegations he was boating while intoxicated.

The Hennepin County Sherriff's Office has said he refused to take a blood or urine test.

But Mitch Robinson, Byfuglien's lawyer, said his client did not know it was illegal to refuse the test. He has also said Byfuglien plans to fight any charges that are laid.

Byfuglien did agree to undergo a breathalyzer test, which he passed, but he was still taken into custody, according to Robinson.

On Friday, Byfuglien said it all started when he was pulled over for driving without running lights after dark. A Minnesota native, he still lives in the area in the NHL off-season.

Byfuglien told reporters at the MTS Centre that he wished the incident had never happened. He said he wants to put the whole thing in the past and get on with playing hockey.

He said he has been given the full support of his teammates but his lawyer has instructed him not to comment much more on the incident until the matter is settled.

The Jets' preseason games start next week.