As per the Buffalo News, Chicago Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane is the subject of a police investigation, which their sources tell them stems from an allegation of rape. Charges have not been filed.
Buffalo News: "Kane under police spotlight: Hockey superstar is subject of rape allegation"
Chicago Sun-Times: "Patrick Kane's suburban Buffalo home searched as part of police investigation"
ESPN: "Patrick Kane subject of police investigation; no charges filed"
Both the NHL and Chicago Blackhawks have acknowledged the matter. The NHL's statement read, "We are aware of the police investigation and are following developments", while the Blackhawks responded with "We are aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering information. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time." Given these official acknowledgements, this article's headline can be said without qualification. However, pretty well every other detail beyond that is subject to "reportedly", "allegedly" and "sources say". It goes without saying that FlightZone posts will look to keep you updated as this story unfolds.
Things not to do: * Assume Patrick Kane committed a crime he’s not been charged with * Dismiss the investigation as not serious news
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) August 6, 2015
Between Slava Voynov, Jarrett Stoll, Mike Richards, Ryan O’Reilly and Patrick Kane, it’s been a pretty bad year off the ice for the #NHL.
— Justin Sayers (@_JustinSayers) August 6, 2015
Patrick Kane may be innocent or guilty. In the meantime, let’s remember that rape isn’t a joke.
— Karen B (@karenb0716) August 6, 2015
And now the news.
Non-Patrick Kane Related Hockey News
Team USA fell to Sweden 5-2 at the on-going 2015 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp, but hey, at least Kyle Connor nearly scored. (USA Hockey)
Team USA lines vs. SWE: Milano-Larkin-Boeser Bittner-Dvorak-Bjork Tkachuk-Eansor-Roslovic Connor-Turgeon-Bracco Schmaltz #NJEC
— Rob Sanderson (@RSandersonWHTK) August 6, 2015
After defeating the Czech Republic 7-1 on Tuesday, Team Canada decided to end their National Junior Team Summer Development Camp in a gentle fashion, winning Round 2 against the Czechs by a score of 6-2. In case you missed it, Brayden Point is pretty good. (Hockey Canada)
Anaheim's goaltending depth has resulted in another casualty, with Igor Bobkov packing up and going home to Russia. Jonas Hiller sends his condolences. (ProHockeyTalk)
Brandon Hickey, the lone Canadian NCAA prospect participating in this year's World Junior Summer Showcase, won't be leaving Boston University to join the Red Deer Rebels. He sounds like a 19 year old taking the long view on life: "I'm looking for a backup plan in case I get injured…I want to be a guy who has options. If hockey doesn't work out then I'll always have my degree to fall back on." (TSN)
Having the still-waiver exempt security blanket known as Calvin Pickard under contract probably makes Colorado feel a whole lot better about Reto Berra. (Denver Post)
In the meantime, Zach Werenski has been kind enough to leave room on the Columbus roster for Christian Ehrhoff, by cementing his 2015-16 commitment to the University of Michigan. (The Michigan Daily)
There has been an awakening. Have you felt it? The Dark side, and the release of training camp schedules. (Defending Big D)
It's been all quiet on the contract front for Nail Yakupov BFF Derek Roy. (ProHockeyTalk)
Los Angeles Kings' Dean Lombardi was named USA Hockey’s GM for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and our Philly friends nailed it with their headline: "This Dean Lombardi speech will make you want to run through a wall for America". I can't believe this is real, but it is and it's awesome. (Broad Street Hockey)
If this GM thing doesn’t work out for Lombardi, he’s got a hell of a future in motivational speaking. #firedup #USAHockey #tradition #legacy
— Julie Robenhymer (@JulieRobenhymer) August 6, 2015
It takes a couple of paragraphs, but this article eventually says the greatest truth regarding Alex Semin: "the Canadiens fan base won’t care if Semin becomes a bearded cave-dwelling hermit – as long as he scores goals for Montreal". (The Hockey Writers)
In Philadelphia, goaltender Michal Neuvirth is the solution to a question I didn't know was being asked. (NHL)
The redemption of Jim Rutherford continues, with the Pittsburgh Penguins now signing veteran Matt Cullen to a one year deal worth $800,000. He wouldn't have looked too shabby on our fourth line, but the kids or something. (Yahoo! Sports)
Rutherford said they would have brought Cullen in regardless, but it becomes even more important not knowing exactly when Fehr will return.
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) August 6, 2015
The Washington Capitals found a fantastic use for their old dasherboards and glass, donating them to Fort Dupont Ice Arena, D.C.’s only public indoor skating rink. (Yahoo! Sports)
And finally, the hacks at Arctic Ice Hockey have started their annual summer Top 25 Under 25 tradition, beginning with those timeless honourable mentions. An insider tip for you early morning readers: today’s #25 prospect was selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. (Shameless Self-Promotion Inc.)
Thanks for reading, folks.
