CHICAGO -- Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane said Wednesday he's focused on playing hockey and the start of the NHL season while he continues to be investigated for an alleged sexual assault.
"I feel good," Kane said after the Blackhawks' morning skate. "I'm excited to be here at the rink today, excited to be playing hockey tonight. I try to focus on that, and let the other stuff handle itself."
Kane and the Blackhawks open the regular season against the New York Rangers at the United Center on Wednesday. The Blackhawks will hold a banner-raising ceremony before the game to commemorate their 2014-15 Stanley Cup championship.
Kane has been under investigation since early August for an alleged sexual assault at his offseason home in Hamburg, New York. Kane has not been charged. A grand jury hearing was previously canceled after being scheduled for last month. Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III recently held a news conference to disprove allegations the accuser's rape kit had been tampered with. Sedita said the investigation was ongoing and was unsure whether a grand jury hearing would occur.
Kane has been with the Blackhawks since they reported for training camp last month. He said Wednesday hockey has been a positive distraction for him. "I feel good when I get to the rink, to be honest with you," Kane said. "It's kind of like my little getaway from everything is coming here, being with the guys, doing things I love. When I'm here, I just try to focus on that."
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Wednesday he also felt Kane had been dealing with everything well.
"Kaner's had a good approach in camp here," Quenneville said. "Hadn't skated much coming in here. I felt he's gotten better every day. I think the upside of [his] line can be exciting. I think he's progressed with his linemates as well. He's focused on the right way, commend him on how he's handled things."
Kane and teammate Jonathan Toews have matching eight-year $84 million contracts that go into effect this season. The Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups since their arrival.