Blackhawks begin quest to repeat as champions at the home of the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (hah-bee-BOO'-lihn) says he senses a different feeling in the Chicago Blackhawks locker room as he begins his second stint with the team.

Khabibulin said Thursday after practice at Notre Dame that he senses the team has more confidence, a swagger. He says it's probably natural after winning two Stanley Cups in four years.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane says starting training camp in South Bend, Ind., 100 miles from Chicago, gave the opening practice a different feel. He says it was exciting to be at Notre Dame. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville says he could feel the mystique.

Most of the squad went Wednesday to watch football team practice, and team president John McDonough spoke to the Fighting Irish.