According to a report by The Buffalo News, Buffalo Sabres left winger Evander Kane is the subject of a sex offense investigation by the Buffalo police department. The alleged incident occurred on Sunday morning at hotel in downtown Buffalo.
Kane has been staying at the Marriott Hotel inside the Harborcenter adjacent to the First Niagara Center. Though it’s unclear if the incident occurred at that location.
The Sabres did release a statement on the matter late Sunday evening.
“We take the allegation made today against Evander Kane very seriously,” the statement read. “We are gathering facts and have been in touch with the NHL and Evander’s representatives. Until we have more information we will not have any additional comment.”
Kane is being represented by prominent Buffalo attorney Paul J. Cambria, according to the News. Cambria also represented Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane during the sexual assault investigation against him over the summer. According to multiple reports, a 20-year old woman is making the claim against the 24-year old player.
A full search of the room where the incident allegedly occurred is being done.
Kane wasn’t at the Sabres’ practice on Sunday morning, and it was stated that he missed due to personal reasons. It should be noted that Kane has not been charged with any crime in the matter. The case is still in the very early stages of the investigation, and is a developing story.
The Hockey Writers has contacted both the Buffalo Police Department and Cambria for comment. Neither request has been returned at this time.
Since joining the Sabres, Kane has seemingly gone out of his way to fit in with the organization as well as the community. He has taken a number of children from the local Boys and Girls Club under his wing in the form of taking them out to places like Dave and Buster’s as well as a $10,000 shopping spree. He also befriended a sick girl by reaching out to her before she underwent surgery to combat her battle with cancer.
It seemed as though he was working well to rehabilitate his image. Only time will tell if anything happens to change that.