NHL: Patrick Kane - High Soaring Hawk

Patrick Kane is putting together a Calder Trophy winning season. A former OHL scoring champion, Kane is silencing critics who thought he was too small to make a contribution at the NHL level. Trailing only Nicklas Backstrom in points, Kane has already established a new rookie-assist record for the Blackhawks, as he has already surpassed the old mark of 47, shared by Denis Savard and former Calder Trophy winner Steve Larmer. McKeen's had a chance to catch up with Kane and ask him about his season to date.

McKeen's: Has there ever been a time where you were not the leading scorer on your team and did not lead your respective league in scoring?

Kane: (Laughs) I would have to think back quite a ways back to be honest. I know there were a few summer teams when I played on loaded teams. Growing up, I was not always the best player on my teams but I stuck with it and it is funny how you improve when you stick with something long enough.

McKeen's: How has the adjustment been to the pro game? How have you been able to withstand the rigors of the NHL schedule by adding and keeping the weight on?

Kane: It is something I have gotten used too. Taking care of your body with protein shakes and hitting the gym are essential. When you are playing junior you can take a few more liberties but this is a business now and it is your life, so paying attention to certain details is key to succeeding in this league.

McKeen's: What are some of the things you will concentrate on in the off season?

Kane: First and foremost, it will be nice to get some rest, enjoy some down time. It will be an important summer for me in terms of adding strength and improving my conditioning levels.

McKeen's: Are you surprised at even your own offensive stats this season?

Kane: You come into camp and don't really know what to expect, whether you get third or fourth-line minutes being a rookie. I was fortunate to be able to line up with good players and I produced right away so that really helped. I got into a little slump in the halfway point of the season and you do your best to curb those, but it has been a good first season for me to get to know some of the players and the league has been a good experience.

McKeen's: Have you ever been in awe of some of the competition? I know you had posters on your wall of some of the guys you are now playing against.

Kane: You know, the first time I played here in Joe Louis and the Wings was pretty exciting. I remember watching Lidstrom and Datsyuk last year and tried to do the things they were doing last year and here I am lining up against them trying to defend them. It can be pretty awe inspiring at times.

McKeen's: This is a young team but how much have you matured during the course of the season as a person not a hockey player?

Kane: It has been a great environment for me to jump into. The guys rip on you a little bit on account of my inexperience in not only the league but in life, but I guess that shows they care. I take it in stride and accept it as part of the initiation into the league with a locker room full of guys who are older. I have formed a healthy bond with Kevyn Adams; he is from Buffalo as well and has helped me considerably.

McKeen's: Let's talk about Buffalo! You managed to play at the Aud this season and were given quite a warm reception. Can you talk about that?

Kane: It was pretty unbelievable and they welcomed me with open arms. I had my whole family there, as my father and grandfather dropped the puck. In the background, they had a video of me on their big screen so for a road team you don't really expect that but it was pretty amazing. When I scored two minutes into the game that really iced it for me.

McKeen's: You have seen many players get recalled by Rockford. How optimistic are you about the future based on the players you have seen get called up?

Kane: Hendry, Dustin Byfuglien and Corey Crawford have really impressed! The future looks bright and it is nice to be involved.