Hamburg Town police chief Gregory Wickett has confirmed that Chicago Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane is the subject of an investigation.

“The Town of Hamburg police department is investigating an incident that allegedly occurred at the residence of NHL player Patrick Kane last weekend,” Wickett read from a brief statement outside police headquarters. “At this time, we are gathering information and awaiting forensic testing results.

“We will have no further comment on this investigation at this time.”

No charges have been filed in connection with the investigation. Wickett refused to take any questions from the media.

The Buffalo News reported on Thursday that Kane, who was born in the area and lives there in the off-season, is being investigated for an alleged sexual assault.

Neighbours of Kane told the Chicago Tribune Thursday that police arrived at his lakefront property Sunday night and that several plainclothes officers entered his house using flashlights. At least one wore gloves and was seen taking pictures out front.

Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, signed an eight-year, $84-million contract last summer that goes into effect during the 2015-16 season.

The National Hockey League said Thursday it was aware of the reports. "We are aware of the police investigation and are following developments," the NHL's Frank Brown, group vice-president of communications, told The Buffalo News.

The Blackhawks also addressed the news. "We are aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering information," the team said in a statement. "It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Kane's agent, Pat Brisson of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), issued a statement Thursday afternoon. "As the Blackhawks indicated in their statement, they are gathering information and will be reviewing reports," it said. "It would not be appropriate to provide further comment at this time."

The 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner was arrested in 2009 in connection with an incident involving a Buffalo taxi driver. Kane and his cousin pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge, a non-criminal violation.

In an interview with The Associated Press before last year's Sochi Games, Kane said there were things he now knew that he didn't a few years earlier.

"How to work harder in the summer or take better care of yourself as far as eating and different things like that," Kane said. "Picking the right times to have fun with the guys and to make sure that when you're doing it, you're doing it right, and you're careful about the way you're going about it."

With files from The Associated Press