BY TER STAFF

CHICAGO, IL — Many were left surprised this week as the Chicago Blackhawks released their training camp roster, for the team’s forthcoming camp at the University of Notre Dame, because one star player was not left off that list.

Despite an ongoing investigation and forthcoming grand jury (according to multiple reports) over an alleged sexual assault that involves Hawk’s star forward Patrick Kane, Kane still appeared on the roster. And while a roster spot does not explicitly confirm his attendance, a Blackhawks spokesperson said that all players on the roster are expected to be at the camp.

It cannot be said enough that Kane has currently not been charged with a crime.

This news built a lot of anticipation for the Hawks’ press conference today. Believed to address the Kane situation (and confirmed by Blackhawks’ GM Stan Bowman), team officials would have almost no choice but to field some difficult questions that support Kane’s status on the team.

Deciding to not avoid the issue that the defending Stanley Cup Champions are on-going, as a huge surprise, Patrick Kane himself spoke to the media (for the first time since the allegations).

Kane took the time to apologize to his fans, teammates, family and the Hawks organization for the distraction that the allegations have cause. “I am confident that once all the facts come to light, I will be absolved in having done nothing wrong,” Kane told reporters.

After his opening statement, Kane understandably could not answer many questions about the legal process but he expressed that he is excited for camp and ready for the new season.

It is good to see Kane and the Hawks are still standing strong together.