Hawks star Kane says he’ll be ready for opener
By Toni Ginnetti tginnetti@suntimes.com September 10, 2011 11:42PM
Updated: November 9, 2011 3:23PM
Blackhawks star Patrick Kane still has a cast on his left wrist, but he has no doubts about being ready to play when the season opens Oct. 7.
‘‘It’s been a long time, and I’m anxious to start the season,’’ Kane said Saturday as he and four teammates took part in Blackhawks Day at U.S. Cellular Field. ‘‘I think I’ll be ready right away. I think once I get this [cast] off, I’ll be able to do pretty much anything. I practiced with the guys the other day, just trying to keep up with skating. I think just strengthening it will be the only thing.’’
Kane had surgery to repair the fracture during an otherwise ‘‘good summer,’’ he said.
‘‘It was a different summer,’’ Kane said. ‘‘I think everyone is pretty optimistic. This year, people are reflecting on the year ahead. It’s nice to be back in Chicago. I hear our fanfest [next week] is sold out. Other teams have problems getting people to games, and we have our practice sold out. It speaks to how great our fans are.’’
Forward Dan Carcillo, whom the Hawks signed as a free agent, said winning the Stanley Cup again is a realistic goal for the revamped Hawks.
‘‘From my standpoint, I’m taking it as a fresh start,’’ said Carcillo, a former Philadelphia Flyer. ‘‘I have a pretty defined role here [to provide a physical presence], and I think I can contribute. This is one of the best, if not the best organization in the league. They treat their players well, and you hear nothing but good things, even from former players.
‘‘With the core players who are here and the new faces like me, I think it’s very realistic [to challenge for the Cup]. I think teams will definitely see the difference in us.’’
Kane, Carcillo, Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook and Ray Emery took part in pre-game ceremonies. They were joined by Stan Mikita, Troy Murray and play-by-play announcer John Wiedeman.
Jim Cornelison sang the national anthem.
