NHL Concludes Rape Accusation Against Patrick Kane ‘Unfounded’

The NHL has announced they closed their investigation into Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane after a woman accused him of rape last summer.

The National Hockey League announced (Wednesday) that it has completed its independent review of the Patrick Kane matter, the final stage of which included an in-person meeting between Kane and Commissioner Gary Bettman in New York on Monday, March 7,” the statement said. “Based on its review, including the determination made by the Erie County District Attorney not to pursue charges, the NHL has concluded that the allegations made against Kane were unfounded. The League considers the matter closed and will have no further comment.

In November, Erie Country Attorney Frank Sedita III closed the rape investigation against Kane. A woman claimed Kane raped her over the summer after he won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks.

Sedita scheduled a grand jury in September, “but abruptly canceled it, raising questions about whether he was committed to bringing charges.”

He told the media the case contained “significant material inconsistencies” between the alleged victim and witnesses. He also said officials could not find evidence of penetration, “an element required under New York law to bring a rape charge.”