Thursday night, right wing Patrick Kane became the first member of the Chicago Blackhawks to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie since Ed Belfour in 1991. He immediately looked toward the future.


"Dude, this will totally get me in there with some babes," Kane remarked. "(Teammate Jonathan) Toews has been cock-blocking me all year, showing everyone the video of his Colorado goal. Now I've got the trophy he'll never win."

Both Kane and Toews celebrated outstanding rookie seasons. Toews missed 18 games to injuries, while Kane played all 82 games the Blackhawks played this season. "I found I had some success this season," Kane continued, "by dropping little hints about having more 'endurance' than Jonathan. Now, I've got this sweet award."

Kane, 19, was an instant hit in Chicago after being selected first overall in the 2007 Entry Draft. His first regular-season game at the United Center he scored a shootout goal against his boyhood hero, Dominik Hasek, to win the game for the Blackhawks. "That night I thought I was so in there," Kane said, "but the Cubs got eliminated from the playoffs that night, and the Blackhawks weren't as popular then as they were later in the season. The babes didn't even know what a shootout was."

Kane is now setting his sights on the 2008-2009 season. "Jonny will probably be our Captain, but me and this bad-boy right here," Kane said, patting the Calder Trophy,  "are planning on doing some leading of our own, if you know what I mean."

Kane also discussed his on-ice accomplishments. "I learned something a long time ago," Kane said while leaving the awards ceremony. "Score goals, and you'll score babes."