Chicago Blackhawks fans give Patrick Kane warm reception

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane was greeted with loud cheers Friday in his first public appearance with the Stanley Cup champions since he became the subject of a sexual assault investigation.

Kane reported for the start of training camp at Notre Dame, and the All-Star forward got a warm reception when he joined “Team B” for the first of two scrimmages. There was another loud roar from the crowd of about 4,000 at Compton Family Ice Arena when he was recognized over the public address system for the secondary assist on the first goal.

“That’s a pretty cool reaction, especially given the circumstances,” Kane said. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but you know, it’s one of those things where you’re going on the ice, you don’t know what’s going to happen and to hear that reaction from the crowd, definitely gave me chills.”

Kane is accused of assaulting a woman in her 20s in August at his offseason home outside Buffalo, New York, a person familiar with the investigation said on condition of anonymity because police have not revealed details of the case. No charges have been filed. Kane said Thursday he has done nothing wrong.