Former NHL player Dale Purinton charged in New York burglary

SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. -- Former New York Rangers player Dale Purinton has been arrested in connection with a central New York burglary.

Police say the 38-year-old former defenseman was charged for his alleged role in a burglary in Sylvan Beach, 25 miles east of Syracuse.

He was arrested Wednesday after an investigation into an Aug. 11 assault. He is being held in the Oneida County Jail. It couldn't be determined if he has a lawyer.

Police say Purinton broke into a residence and attacked the homeowner before fleeing. Police tracked him down in the town of Laurens, where he was taken into custody and turned over to Oneida County sheriff's deputies.

Purinton played for the Rangers from 1999 to 2004, racking up 578 penalty minutes in 181 games.