BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chicago Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane and his cousin have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges that they beat up a cab driver over a fare.

Patrick and James Kane appeared before Buffalo judge Thomas Amodeo on Thursday, a day after a grand jury indicted them on misdemeanor assault and theft charges. The panel dismissed a more serious felony charge of second-degree robbery.

The Kanes were arrested Aug. 9 after cabbie Jan Radecki told police they attacked him when he said he didn't have 20 cents in change for the fare. The driver had bruises and broken glasses.

The judge adjourned the case until Aug. 27 and granted a defense request that the Kanes do not need to appear at that session. They're free without bail.