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Blackhawks Owner Won't Comment On Patrick Kane Investigation

Rocky Wirtz and the Stanley Cup at the Illinois State Fair
Brian Mackey
/
WUIS
Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, at podium, accompanied the Stanley Cup to the opening of the 2015 Illinois State Fair.

The owner of the Chicago Blackhawks was in Springfield Friday for the ribbon cutting that opens the Illinois State Fair. But he's refusing to talk about the investigation into one of the team’s star players.

Hawks owner Rocky Wirtz was the at fairgrounds’ main gate to present the Stanley Cup.

He spoke briefly at the podium, thanking officials for inviting him, but later would not say much about the ongoing rape investigation into star player Patrick Kane.

“I think it wouldn’t be appropriate," Wirtz said. "You know, we’re disappointed but hopeful and that’s about it."

Wirtz wouldn't say what exactly he's hopeful about, whether he's been in contact with Kane, or whether Kane will join the team for upcoming practices.

The Blackhawks’ first pre-season game is scheduled for Sept. 22 at the United Center.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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