Police in Hamburg, New York, are investigating after Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane was accused of rape, sources said.
The Buffalo News reported that a woman made the allegation after an incident last weekend. The woman went to hospital, and tests using a rape kit were performed.
Kane has not been charged. One local police agency has been asked to help with the investigation, and another police agency was told that the investigation involves an allegation against Kane.
“We are aware of the police investigation and are following developments,” said NHL spokesman Frank Brown.
The Blackhawks said in a statement: “We are aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering information. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Paul Cambria, a defense lawyer who represented Kane in the past, declined to comment on Thursday. When contacted Wednesday, Cambria said: “I have nothing to say.” Kane’s agent told ESPN he is looking into the matter.
Kane, a four-time all-star who helped the Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup title in the six years in June, has a home in Hamburg. Last summer, he signed an eight-year, $84m contract with the Blackhawks.
“I can’t even confirm that there is an incident,” Hamburg police chief Gregory Wickett told ESPN. “We’re not confirming or denying that there is an investigation.”
