ST. THOMAS, Ontario -- Boston Bruins captain Joe Thornton was coming to the aid of his brother when he got into a confrontation with police that led to his arrest, investigators said Sunday.

Police in Thornton's hometown of St. Thomas were called to Burty Bob's Two Tavern after a fight broke out around 2 a.m. Saturday, Sgt. Hank Zehr said.

Police ordered some of the people involved in the brawl to leave, including Thornton's 27-year-old brother John, Zehr told the London Free Press.

When an officer tried to handcuff John Thornton, Joe Thornton intervened. Two officers were pushed before the 23-year-old NHL star was pepper-sprayed, Zehr said.

Thornton left the bar and crossed the street while his brother was taken into custody. When police came to get him, he was cooperative and respectful, Zehr said.

Joe Thornton was charged with assaulting and obstructing police. He was granted bail without travel restrictions and is scheduled to appear in St. Thomas court on June 17.

Eight other people were also arrested, including John Thornton, who was charged with resisting arrest and trespassing.

Bruins spokeswoman Heidi Holland and league spokesman Frank Brown both said Sunday they would wait for more facts before commenting on the incident.

Thornton's agent, J.P. Barry of IMG, also declined to comment when contacted by The Canadian Press on Sunday.

Thornton was the first overall pick in the 1997 NHL draft and has developed into one of the league's biggest stars.

He finished third in scoring this year with 101 points -- including 36 goals. Thornton is a finalist for the Lester B. Pearson Award, given to the NHL's most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.