Kane welcomed back to United Center with standing ovation

It was a legendary introduction for a legendary player on Tuesday.

Fans at United Center welcomed Chicago Blackhawks icon Patrick Kane back to the ice during the team’s home opener against the St. Louis Blues with a standing ovation.

Before Kane took the ice, the team played a highlight video showing some of Kane’s best moments in a Blackhawks uniform, narrated by the man himself.

“I’ve played the game on the biggest stage. I’ve felt the pressure. I’ve felt that roar,” Kane said in the video. “When it comes to it, we want to be the best. That’s what this city is all about. That’s what this team is about and that’s what you as fans deserve. You show up to win. That’s the standard here. You can feel the history waiting to happen. And I’ll be honest, it’s good to be back.”

After the video, Kane skated out onto the ice in between a light-up number 88 as the fans roared for the veteran.

And the kicker? Tuesday marked 19 years to the day since Kane originally made his debut at United Center in 2007.

Kane originally joined the Blackhawks during the 2007-08 season and helped lead the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

He played the first 14 seasons with the Blackhawks before he was traded during the 2022-23 season. After stints with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Blackhawks on July 23.