Elite Prospects Hockey

 When Patrick Kane's name was called at the NHL Awards announcing him as the 2007-08 Calder Trophy Winner, he was very excited, but directed most of his personal accomplishments towards the Blackhawks organization for believing in him and giving him a chance and his teammates, coaches, and his family, that is what good people with good character do. The numbers he put up in Chicago this past season 21 goals & 51 assists for 72 points) warrant his receiving the award as the NHL's Top Rookie. The impact that both Kane and Toews made on the Blackhawks was even more significant. The improvement this season with Kane and Toews enabled the Blackhawks to barely miss the playoffs and improve 17 points in the standings in 2007-08, look for even better things this upcoming season. Kane has heard the doubters over the years, in his Calder speech back at the United Center where he thanked his GM Dale Tallon for drafting him #1 Overall and giving him the opportunity, he said to his GM "5'9" 155, right Dale" referring to his smaller is size and weight to his NHL counterparts. "Patrick is a very confident person and during his formidable developmental years when he doubted himself, he always had his parents support and me there to push him to be the best" said his former Coach Don Harkins. "He has had some great support in his development since the time he left Buffalo to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL" added Harkins. "I think I helped turn him into a young man and compete harder, because he knew that I would accept nothing less, the US NTDP exposed him to good coaching, great players, competition and a strict off ice weight training program, the London Knights, well it is the London Knights, a real hockeytown where the Knights are #1 , they have a great organization, history, and Coach Dale Hunter played the heck out of him, and it has continued in Chicago with the Blackhawks" added Harkins. Harkins recently stopped by Kane's house in Buffalo to visit and his father Pat. Sr. said that in the last two games of the year Coach Savard put the A on Patrick's jersey and that is the first time in his entire career he has been a captain or assistant captain. That is quite an accomplishment and how far Patrick has grown into a leader as a person. "The funny thing about it was that my Grandpa saw the A on my Jersey while watching on tv and thought that the A meant I played in "All of the games" laughed Kane. Look for Kane and Toews to display their leadership qualities and ability in leading the Blackhawks into the 2008-09 season.