The Tampa Bay Lightning have terminated the contract of Salmon Arm hockey player Mitch Fadden, an action which may be related to his arrest in Salmon Arm for suspicion of drunk driving.
Fadden had been playing for the team's minor league affiliate, the Florida Everblades, but had been sidelined since January because of blood clots.
On March 16, General manager Steve Yzerman told Damian Christodero of the St. Petersburg Times : "There have been some off-ice issues that, eventually, we decided to terminate his contract."
Yzerman declined to speak further.
Earlier this month, the Observer reported Mitchell D. Fadden, 22, is facing charges of impaired driving, failing to provide a breath sample, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and obstructing a peace officer after several near-miss collisions on March 1.
When police arrived to arrest their suspect, they found him stopped, completely blocking the driving lane on 10th Avenue SE near Highway 97B. A police report described the suspect as "grossly intoxicated."
It is alleged Fadden was driving dangerously at speeds of 120 km/h in the industrial park, he refused to provide a breath test and became violent with officers.
His next appearance in Salmon Arm Court is set for April 12.
Fadden was drafted by the Lightning 107th overall in 2007. His 51 points on 15 goals and 36 assists led the East Coast Hockey League in early January.