MONDAY MAILBAG: Kane's beginnings

Each and every week throughout the 2018-19 season, chicagoblackhawks.com will have answers to some fan-submitted questions. This week, Adam Burish details exactly when he knew Patrick Kane would be a star.
1. Is there a certain play in practice or a game that let you know how good Patrick Kane might be? And are the leaves changing colors yet? - Mike from San Diego
I'll tell you what Mike, how about you come to Chicago, bring your winter coat, and check out the leaves? I'll buzz out to San Diego and hold down the fort there for you, can I use your surfboard? Heck, you can do my job on TV also... just talk about Kaner, it's easy!

I remember Kane's first prospect camp, two weeks after he was drafted. Everybody on the team that was there walked out to the ice to see how this first-overall pick looked. He was the first one on the ice and skated around by himself. We all said "this guy is tiny, he better be good!"
Then he grabbed a puck on his stick, stickhandled it so fast we couldn't see it, and sniped one top shelf… We all looked at each other and started laughing. It was unreal! Then practice started and I think he either scored or set up a guy to score in each of his first 3-4 practice drills.
We were amazed. Guys don't stick around to watch other prospects practice, but everybody stayed to watch Kane that first day, and he didn't disappoint. We knew he was going to be a stud right then. He was the only player I ever played with that made you feel like a fan watching him in practice and games. We'd laugh on the bench during games at unbelievable plays he'd make, he's still my favorite player of all time!
2. Adam, Sending out a little Badger love. Badger season ticket holder here. You had the opportunity to play pretty close to home if not at home most of your career. Madison, Green Bay, Madison and eventually Chicago. What was it like always having family and friends at the games regularly? And did it help being close to home? "Forever forward" - Mike C. from Burlingon, WI
Heck ya, Mike. Of course, we'll take a question from a Badger! They are going to be fun to watch this year, can't wait to get back to Madison for some games!
It was expensive having to buy tickets for so many people every game, I can tell you that! I was so lucky being from Madison to be able to live my dream and play for the Badgers, then live out my second dream of playing in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks, the only NHL team I ever saw play. I always had a lot of family and friends watching games at the United Center. It is so much more fun playing when you know they are in the building, and I always got a boost of adrenaline when I looked up in the stands and saw my mom, dad and sister Nikki sitting there. Pretty lucky to have them so close.
Go cheer loud for the Badgers and Blackhawks this year!