Patrick Kane NHL Rape Investigation Findings Issued

The NHL's investigation of Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane has concluded with the finding that the rape allegations made against him last year were "unfounded."

The NHL issued this statement Wednesday:

“The National Hockey League announced today 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. 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.”

Kane appears on a regional cover for next week's issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. He spoke about the rape claim and the ensuing investigation for an article published by SI, as well as his success this season on the ice.

"There’s been plenty of times that I’ve wanted to defend myself in the whole situation, but it’s kind of in the past now. I’m just looking forward to moving on from everything. ... Guys’ll say, ‘He’s been scared straight’, but I almost feel like I owe it to other people now. Especially the Hawks’ organization, my family, my friends and the people who really supported me and believed in me.”

The Patrick Kane Saga

• Rape Investigation of Patrick Kane Closed: ‘Rife with Reasonable Doubt’
• Patrick Kane: 'My Family's Been Awesome. My Girlfriend's Been Great'
• Accuser No Longer Willing to Cooperate in Rape Investigation
• Patrick Kane ‘Rape-Kit Evidence Bag’ a ‘Hoax’ by the Mom: Prosecutor
• Attorney for Patrick Kane’s Accuser Drops His Client