Sept. 18--Hundreds of fans lined up around Compton Family Ice Arena at Notre Dame Friday morning, all waiting to get first-come, first-served seats for the opening day of Blackhawks training camp.
In that crowd were several people wearing Patrick Kane sweaters, men, women and children alike, showing their support for Kane, who remains under investigation for an alleged sexual assault at his home in western New York in August.
One such fan wearing a Kane jersey was Tim McDonnell, former Chicago resident who now lives in Dowagiac, Mich. "I've got a daughter so I get the other side of the whole rape thing, I'm very sensitive to that," he said. "But he hasn't even been charged with anything and I'm a big believer in the Blackhawks organization and if they didn't feel strong enough about him, he wouldn't be here.
Another fan wearing a Kane jersey was Mary Ellen DeRicco, from Huntley, who said, "In my opinion, I hope he's cleared. I hope nothing happened. "
When asked if she's OK with him practicing, she replied: "Yes, unless he's charged, he has a right to be here. That's where I draw the line. "
Tom Harvick, of Glenview, is a season-ticket holder, but was not wearing a Kane jersey.
"I was surprised they brought him here today," he said. "But he hasn't been charged. Maybe this will push a settlement and get this thing settled. But he looks good. I didn't think he'd be as fast.
"I thought because the Hawks have worked so hard for their reputation, they would've down played it. But everybody cheered. I don't think anybody believed he raped her."
Inside the arena, an official merchandise stand sold sweaters of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa, but there was apparently no Kane merchandise for sale.
Kane took the ice along with the rest of his Hawks teammates for their first day of practices and scrimmages.
Kane spoke publicly for the first time about the investigation on Thursday, mostly to say that he couldn't comment on the investigation but did proclaim his innocence.
"While I have too much respect for the legal process to comment on an ongoing matter, I am confident that once all the facts are brought to light, I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong," Kane said.
The Blackhawks and the NHL have allowed Kane to participate in camp even though both could potentially suspend him pending the outcome of the investigation.
chine@tribpub.com
