Patrick Kane hoists the Stanley Cup from the Hurricane Deck at Niagara Falls on Friday. (Chris Kuc/Tribune)
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- -From the raging rapids of Niagara Falls to a perch high above his hometown to an old-fashioned floor hockey game, Patrick Kane had quite a day with the Stanley Cup.
The Blackhawks winger, who scored the game-winning goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals against the Flyers in June, had his day with the coveted trophy Friday and criss-crossed Buffalo via police escort to showcase the chalice and celebrate the victory.
See more photos of the Stanley's Cup travels here
Kane's day started at Niagara Falls where he held the Cup aloft in a soaking mist a thundering waterfall and posed for pictures before being awarded the key to the city of Niagara Falls.
"(Winning the Cup) never really sunk in before completely and now it's really starting to," Kane said. "Coming to Niagara Falls, holding the Cup over your head for a couple of pictures and a couple of great moments, it's really helping it sink in."
The Kane caravan, with friends, family and media, then headed to a local hospital specializing in the treatment of cancer patients. The 21-year-old winger met with staff and patients and posed for photos and signed autographs.
"Sometimes you go through days in life and you think the word's falling on your shoulders," Kane said. "Then you come here and it ... was unbelievable. It's really hard not to get emotionals up there. It was really tough."
The next stop was a meet and greet with many of Buffalo's policemen and firemen. At the conclusion, Kane was offered a chance to ride high into the sky on the ladder of a fire truck. The ladder malfunctioned and Kane was suspended high over the city for 20 minutes before it was repaired and he and the Cup were slowly lowered to the ground.
"It was a little scary but anything with this (Cup) is unexpected," Kane said. "I'm just happy I'm out."
Kane then took the floor with friends and played in several floor hockey games with his team winning the title game and earning the right to hoist the Cup in celebration.
The day ended with a private party for family and friends.
@ President of Buffalo-area Cab Drivers Association
if you really are who you claim you are, you need to get a new job because you are just a big of a cheat as Jan Radecki- i live in buffalo (grew up in Chicago)
and the exact same thing that happened to Kane, happened to me last month. I was locked in a cab by the driver and his partner until we paid more than the fair called for.
at least Kane and his cousin got to do what all of us victims wish we could.
Chicagoan's i know how much we complain about the cabs in Chicago, but you have got it lucky compared to buffalo
@I will not go away
Grow up. If you can't afford the tickets, stay at home and watch it on tv. You want to relive the Dollar Bill days with 5000 in the stands on a good night and no home games on tv?
Just so you can feel good about paying $15 dollars for a crap team?
Rocky and Jon have done nothing but ensure a winner and a competitive team for the next 5 years. Guess what, those things cost money.
Money that comes from tickets and endorsements.
By the way, I pay $20 and have an awesome view.
Dumba$$ "long time" Hawks fan is who you are.
Nick on August 13, 2010 8:51 AM
He should have tossed the cup down the river!
Not funny at all!
At 21 years of age, he is a hero and rich!
Way to go Kaner!
Kaner!!! Party!!!!
Nick beat me to it. THAT would have been FUNNY as heck.
KANER!!!!!!!!!!
Cab driver president, get over it. What he did was far less than other athletes, good thing Radecki didn't give OJ a ride....
How can you call this guy a "Western New York Hero" after what he did to Jan Radecki?
Picture-Kane moments before he launched Cup into the Falls.
Was he sober?
He should have tossed the cup down the river!