Sept. 26--After stunning developments the last three days in the investigation into Patrick Kane for an alleged sexual assault, Kane said his focus has remained on his job playing hockey for the Blackhawks and reaffirmed his belief that he will be cleared eventually of any wrongdoing in the case.
Kane is expected to play in Saturday's exhibition game against the Blues.
"Especially after the past couple days, right now, I'm just trying to focus on the game tonight, coming out in practice today, trying to get better, focus on that," Kane said. "But I don't really have anything to say about what transpired over the past, however it's been, 72 hours. My focus is here on the game tonight."
Kane then added, with a smile: "I'll also congratulate the Chicago Cubs on clinching a playoff spot."
Kane spoke Saturday after the district attorney in the case, Frank Sedita III, said Friday that alleged evidence tampering of the rape kit in the case was instead a hoax perpetrated by the accuser's mother and that the rape kit was accounted for.
On Thursday Thomas Eoannou, the attorney who had represented the accuser's family, abruptly quit the case after holding a news conference Wednesday to claim evidence had been tampered.
Kane stood by what he said in a prepared statement last week at Notre Dame in which he said would be "absolved" of any wrongdoing.
"Obviously I believe what I said and I think that's been reiterated many times by not only myself but my lawyer as well," Kane said. "But what's going to actually happen is just speculation. I don't know what comes next."
What's next for Kane was Saturday's game. Kane said the investigation has hampered his progress on the ice, but that he is improving as the season approaches.
"Usually I'd probably be at a better place, but I feel like it's starting to come around," Kane said. "I feel like I've been trying to work hard at training camp to get my game back and get everything back in order and another opportunity to do that tonight against the Blues."
chine@tribpub.com
Twitter @ChristopherHine
