UPDATE 2: The chief of the Hamburg Police Department, Gregory Wickett spoke to the media on Friday morning regarding the allegations of sexual assault against Patrick Kane.
During the extremely brief conference, if you want to even call it that, Wickett confirmed that the department was investigating Kane for an alleged incident that took place at his home last weekend. He would not confirm the allegations of rape or sexual assault.
“At this time we are gathering information, and awaiting forensic testing results,” he said. “We will have no further comment on this investigation at this time.”
There were no questions taken from the media in attendance, and there was no time frame given on when another update in the case will come. As far as the results of the rape kit that was reportedly performed on the alleged victim, the results may not be known for a few weeks as all the DNA evidence will take time to be collected.
Stay tuned for more as the story develops.
UPDATE 1: The Buffalo News is reporting that a women is accusing Kane of sexual assault. The women reportedly went to the hospital where a rape kit was used to perform tests. The Blackhawks have released a statement on the matter, acknowledging the investigation.
“We are aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering information. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
After working to rebuild his image since the 2009 incident involving a Buffalo cab driver, Patrick Kane’s name is back in the news for the wrong reasons.
According to a report from The Buffalo News, police in Hamburg, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, are investigating an incident that allegedly involved the Chicago Blackhawks superstar. Though the news is reporting that officers are forbidden to discuss the nature of the investigation, Tim Graham is reporting that the it is a rape investigation.
https://twitter.com/ByTimGraham/status/629311801130373120
Though the league didn’t state the nature of the case, a spokesperson for the NHL confirmed via phone call that the league is aware of the investigation involving the 26-year old South Buffalo native.
If the report above is true about a rape investigation against Kane, this would be a major black eye for the image of a player as well as the Blackhawks organization and the NHL. That being said, nothing has been confirmed regarding the investigation other than it is an ongoing one.
In fact, the local police as well as Kane’s attorney have remained quiet when it comes to details with the case.
“I have nothing to say,” Paul J. Cambria Jr., Kane’s lawyer, told The Buffalo News when reached for comment. The police have stated that they will neither “confirm nor deny” the presence of an investigation, though it is known that one exists.
It is important to note that Kane is not currently facing any charges. He may just be viewed as someone with knowledge of an incident as opposed to someone directly involved. It’s key to avoid any judgement until more details are known.
More is to come in the near future regarding this major news. Stay with The Hockey Writers for all the latest developments.