The media swarmed Patrick Kane's locker this morning after the Chicago Blackhawks' pregame skate and the South Buffalo native held court for 10 minutes on a variety of topics, ranging from hockey to getting a phone call from President Obama to taking the stage with Jimmy Buffett. A lot has happened to the 21-year-old in the wake of winning the Stanley Cup.
"It's pretty special coming back to your hometown," he said. "My childhood is basically in this rink. Any time you think of it like that, it's pretty special."
Kane spent the night at his parents' house in his old room and said there will be three suites full of South Buffalo folk at tonight's game.
"I didn't have to work too hard for tickets this year so I was able to set up my buddies and my family in those boxes so it was pretty nice," he said.
Here's the audio of Kane's chat with reporters today:
In other Hawks news, backup Corey Crawford will start in goal tonight against Ryan Miller. It will be his first game of the season and ninth NHL game. Newly signed veteran Marty Turco played in the first two games.
"Corey is ready for a challenge," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We think he can help us."
Patrick Sharp, who missed Saturday's game with a mild concussion, is back on the line tonight with Kane and Fernando Pisani. The Hawks are 0-1-1 to open the season after the loss of several players due to the salary cap.
"We're in the winning business and the winning now business," Quenneville said. "So I think both teams are going to be excited to play today's game."
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
