Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor apologizes for DUI arrest

Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor apologized for his DUI arrest on Monday, after he pleaded guilty to second degree driving while impaired.

Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor apologized for his DUI arrest on Monday, after he pleaded guilty to second degree driving while impaired.

Sydor, 43, will serve a mandatory 15 days in a county jail starting on Friday. 

The assistant coach’s jail sentence was originally for 365 days, but under the terms of his probation, he will need to serve 60 days in 15-day intervals, reports Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Although if Sydor can remain sober, the judge could waive a scheduled 15-day term.

On August 21, Sydor was booked for two counts of second-degree driving while impaired as well as child endangerment. When pulled over, Sydor was driving his 12-year-old son to his hockey game.

A test conducted at the police department the night of Sydor’s arrest revealed a .30 level of alcohol concentration, which is nearly four times the legal limit.

Sydor issued this statement on Monday.

I apologize to my family, friends, the Minnesota Wild and the fans. I am deeply saddened and humbled by my actions. Recovery is giving me the opportunity to redeem myself to all I have hurt. The support I have received has been overwhelming and I couldn’t be more thankful. The entire Minnesota Wild organization has stood by me and supported my family through this very difficult time. I can’t thank them enough for that. I am putting recovery first for myself and my family, and with that, everything else will fall into place.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune also reported that Sydor sought treatment for alcoholism last summer.

The Minnesota Wild released a statement in regards to Sydor’s plea deal. 

The Minnesota Wild is aware of the plea agreement reached today by Assistant Coach Darryl Sydor and respects the decision made by the Anoka County District Court. The team will continue to support Darryl, and his family, as he continues with his recovery. His return to the organization will be addressed at a later date.

Sydor has served as an assistant for the Wild for the last four seasons. He played 18 seasons in the NHL for six different teams.