Report: Canadiens players arrested

Feb 11, 2008 - 4:50 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Two members of the Montreal Canadiens were arrested outside a Tampa nightclub early Monday morning, according to a published report.

The Tampa Tribune reported on its web site that defenseman Ryan O'Byrne and right wing Tom Kostopoulos were arrested at approximately 3 a.m. EST near the bar Whiskey Park.

Police told the Tribune that O'Byrne stole a woman's purse while Kostopoulos resisted an officer.

According to the report, O'Byrne, a 23-year-old rookie, took the unidentified woman's purse from the bar countertop and walked outside. The woman saw O'Byrne holding the purse in one hand while using her cell phone.

O'Byrne was charged with grand theft and was released on $20,000 bail. While O'Byrne was being detained in a squad car outside the nightclub, Kostopoulos and several unidentified individuals gathered around the car, according to the report.

"Several associates, who were identified as National Hockey League players/members, crowded around the officers and police car," police told the newspaper. "They were told numerous times to get away from the police car and not to interfere."

Kostopoulos, 29, was released on $500 bail.

O'Byrne, who was recalled from the minors Sunday, has appeared in 11 games with the Canadiens this season, recording two assists. Kostopoulos has four goals and five assists in 50 games this season with Montreal.

The Canadiens visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. The team has not stated if either O'Byrne or Kostopoulos will play in the contest.