NBH would like to congratulate Patrick Kane and Jason Blake for taking home some pretty nice hardware last night at the NHL's annual awards show.

Patrick Kane took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Kane led all rookies in scoring with 72 points, which included 21 goals and 51 assists. "To be honest, I didn't start the season with the goal of winning rookie of the year," Kane said. "Coming into the preseason, my only goals were to make the team and help us win games. It's pretty funny how you can go from trying to make the team to winning rookie of the year."

The 19-year old was quick to acknowledge that this is a great award to win, but knows he couldn't have done it by himself. "Overall, it was a great year. I didn't just win this for myself because I didn't win it by myself. I'm winning for my teammates because they really made this possible, and for my family and the Blackhawk organization. This inspires me to work harder to make myself a better player, and I feel good about the future of our team with the talent and experience we have coming back."

Meanwhile, Jason Blake took home the Bill Masterson Trophy as the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Blake, who was diagnosed with leukemia prior to the start of the season, persevered and played in all 82 games this season. An emotional Blake took to the podium and was quick to thank those who have helped him through this chapter of his life. "When I came to Toronto in the fall, the last thing I expected was to be diagnosed with cancer. I've had such great support from around the league...I know I'm going to have this the rest of my life and I know I'm going to be okay. I have something to prove."

It was clear that his health scare has given him a new perspective. "I've been so lucky in life to play in the NHL, have three beautiful kids and be married to a wonderful woman," said Blake. Again, congratualtions to both Jason and Patrick on their well deserved awards.

Some quotes taken from Chicago Sun Times, TSN.ca, and Toronto Star

Posted By: Luke Ventura