Woodrige, Ill. - Embroiled in his own legal woes, Patrick Kane has watched with interest the public's reaction to attempts by NFL quarterback Michael Vick to rebuild his image after serving a jail sentence for operating a dogfighting ring.

Kane, a 20-year-old forward with the Chicago Blackhawks, and his 21-year-old cousin, James Kane, have pleaded not guilty to robbery and other charges after spending more than two hours in jail on the morning of Aug. 9 for an alleged scuffle with a Buffalo taxi driver.

"I was watching ESPN and watching Michael Vick give his speech [after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles last week], after that you hear people say he's not really sorry," Kane said yesterday. "It was fun to watch and see how sorry he was."

In his first public comments since his arrest, Kane apologized for his involvement in the Buffalo taxi incident, but refused to delve into specifics because legal proceedings are pending.

When he took to the ice on the first day of the United States Olympic men's hockey orientation camp, Kane was greeted with an ovation from a thousand local fans at the suburban Chicago rink, many of whom were wearing Blackhawks sweaters bearing Kane's No. 88.

Kane said the show of support still doesn't take the sting out of the most disheartening part of the ordeal: disappointing his family.

"Them seeing me in handcuffs, they said it's something they never want to see again," he said. "My family didn't raise me that way."

Brian Burke, general manager of the U.S. team, said yesterday he expects Kane - the No..1 pick in the 2007 draft and the NHL rookie of the year in 2008 - to play an important role for the Americans at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

"Being at the wrong place at the wrong time or making a poor decision does not affect my judgment of Patrick Kane or his ability to contribute to our team," Burke said. "I think it's possible for a young man to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and make a poor decision. I know when I was Patrick Kane's age, I did a couple of things I wouldn't want to talk about up here."

Kane was supposed to make a court appearance yesterday, but his lawyer had the hearing delayed to Thursday so the native of Buffalo could participate in the orientation camp.

Flanked by Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman and Burke, Kane read a statement shortly after the team bus arrived yesterday morning at Seven Bridges Arena.

"I'm very lucky to achieve many kids' dreams to play in the National Hockey League, as well for a great organization like the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, I also have a chance to play for my country, a dream come true for myself and also my family," Kane said.

"I know everyone wants to talk about what happened in Buffalo. As you know, the legal proceedings are pending and I cannot discuss the details at this time. Because I put myself in the wrong position at the wrong time, I have caused a lot of pain for my family, my hometown of Buffalo, the city of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks and, obviously, the great fans that live here in Chicago. For that part, I sincerely apologize.

"Now it's time for me to move forward. I'm excited to get back on the ice and represent the Chicago Blackhawks and the United States Olympic hockey team."

A USA Hockey public relations employee said it would be the last time Kane talked about his arrest this week, but Kane later answered a handful of queries when scrummed after his on-ice session.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m., Aug. 9, when the Kanes flagged down a cab on Chippewa Street, a club district in downtown Buffalo.

According to the taxi driver, Jan Radecki, the final fare was $13.80 (U.S.). The Kanes forked over $15 and Radecki gave back a dollar, but didn't have the extra 20 cents. The Kanes allegedly snatched their money back and then roughed up the driver, breaking his eyeglasses.

A grand jury is expected to decide this week whether the two men should face criminal charges.