Sept. 16--With Blackhawks training camp set to begin in just two days, the team confirmed Wednesday that Patrick Kane is on the training camp roster and is expected to attend the three-day session at Notre Dame. Kane remains under investigation for an alleged sexual assault that reportedly took place in August.
Practices at the preseason training camp are open to the public, meaning Kane would inevitably face questions from news reporters. Kane, 26, has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and he has not spoken publicly about the allegations.
He has been under investigation for an alleged sexual assault that reportedly occurred last month at his gated mansion in Hamburg, N.Y., near Buffalo. A grand jury is expected to hear evidence in the case later this month.
Paul Cambria, Kane's Buffalo attorney, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. His agent, Pat Brisson, also could not be reached for comment.
The Erie County district attorney's office postponed grand jury proceedings last week, a move that raised questions about the direction of the high-profile case. Before the last-minute delay, Kane's accuser and a friend who was with her at Kane's lakefront home on the night of the alleged incident had been scheduled to appear.
The decision to reschedule the proceedings was made by prosecutors and sources said it did not come at either Kane's or his accuser's request. Kane's accuser continues to cooperate with the investigation, according to a source connected with the case.
Grand jury investigations are commonplace in Erie County, where District Attorney Frank Sedita is known for his cautious approach. Local attorneys have told the Tribune that Sedita almost always sends high-profile investigations to a grand jury, even in cases that he doesn't intend to indict. The move -- which often prolongs investigations -- takes some of the responsibility for whether to charge a suspect off his shoulders.
The Tribune previously has reported that Kane spent the night of Aug. 1 at SkyBar, a popular nightclub about 15 miles from his Hamburg home, staying past midnight with friends. Cambria has confirmed an off-duty Buffalo police officer's revelation that the officer drove Kane, a male friend and two women to the player's home after leaving the bar.
Hamburg police Chief Greg Wickett has said the case remains active.
Kane, who has helped the Hawks win three Stanley Cups in six seasons, has scored 205 goals in eight seasons. He signed an eight-year, $84 million extension in the summer of 2014 set to kick in this season.
