Kane addresses media at training camp
This is the fifth installment of player profiles for the six Blackhawks that will represent their nation at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. It’s now Patrick Kanes’ turn. Stay tuned for the final installment later this week, and feel free to comment below. Previous Olympic Profiles: Tomas Kopecky, Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews.
Birthplace – Buffalo, New York, United States
International Experience – 2007 World Junior Championships and 2008 World Championships
Like the Canadian Olympic team, the American general manager, Brian Burke, opted to overhaul the national team by inserting new blood on the roster. Only two players remain from the 2006 roster – defenseman Brian Rafalski and forward Chris Drury. On paper Team USA isn’t a favorite to place in the 2010 roster, but Burke is in the process of building an Olympic team that will be successful down the road. That is evident in the fact that only five players are over the age of thirty. The twenty-one year old Patrick Kane is a large part of the rebuilding, and is one of the few recognizable faces on Team USA.
Kane’s baby-faced mug is as recognizable to many hockey fans for more then just his on-ice performance. He was the cover boy for EA’s NHL10, his night out in Buffalo with cousin James resulted in his arrest for his altercation with a taxi driver and his recent shirtless limo ride through the streets of Vancouver. Kane has shown this season that he hasn’t allowed for any non-hockey related issues affect his play of the ice. If you weren’t paying attention he leads the Blackhawks in goals (22) and assists (40). Kane will do his talking on the ice when the Vancouver media presses him about pictures that surfaced after his last visit to the city.
Anyway, Kane is one of the better offensive talents on the American national team. He was a lock to make the squad, and should see time on the top line due to his playmaking and scoring ability. Kane should be used on the power play as well.
Loading ...
