Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(69) Be Safe

Patrick

It's nearing the end for April which means one thing, playoff hockey. The boys have struggled, in my absence they were doing well at first but they lost the last 6 games and now they need some help as they limp into the playoffs. I finished second in points this season for the Blackhawks and for someone who missed almost two months of action that isn't good. The team was still great, don't get me wrong. Stan did a good job of picking people up at the trade deadline. But it's no secret that with the post season starting and the skid they were on they needed some help.

So I go into my doctors appointment hoping for good news. I know I was pushing my luck with this and that even though I'm fully healed I can't make time go faster and make up for the months of training I missed. But my arm was perfectly fine and I had a full range of motion. There was no pain and it honestly felt like it did before it broke.

We do some x-rays and other tests to make sure the progress was still there. Once we get the results back it was the moment of truth.

I lace my fingers through Sophias as she sits next to me. She has been by my side since the night I got hurt and I am so thankful for that. Even when she was pissed at me she sent her brother to help me out or checked up on me. Through the highs and lows she's been here with her hand in mine and there was nothing I could do to thank her for all she's done. If I get released it is in great thanks to her.

"Good news" the doctor starts and I let out a sigh of relief. "You are good to go for full contact. This means it's now in the hands of you and your trainers. Try to practice some before jumping into games but the future is in your hands. And from what I hear you have the best hands around" he smiles.

"Thank you doctor, for everything" I insist.

"Any time" he nods.

We wrap up at the doctors before being able to leave. I go straight to the United Center where practice was about to start. I was about to part ways until Sophia grabs my hand and stops me.

"Be smart" she warns.

"What does that mean" I ask.

"It means we all want you back out there. And we need you back out there. But I don't think we can go through another heartbreak like I did when you got hurt. At least I know I couldn't bare seeing you have to go through that again.

So be smart. Don't go out there thinking that the hockey world owes you one for breaking your collar bone. This sport doesn't owe you shit, not yet. Be safe, and be smart" she insists.

"Wow. It's almost like you care about me" I tease as she rolls her eyes. She pulls me in before placing a soft kiss on my cheek. I get butterflies as I smile like an idiot.

"I'll see you after practice" she promises as I nod.

She takes off to the media room and I run into Q's office. I tell him the good news to where his reaction was much like Sophias. He's happy but he knows there's still a few things that need to happen before I play tomorrow night.

But I take the ice for practice back in the red jersey. I get to do line rushes and work power play and go full contact in some drills. The collar bone felt great and I felt inspired. As long as the trainers agree I was ready to go for tomorrow.

"Look at you go" Jonny teases as he skates up to me. I just shake my head in agareement.

"Never thought I would actually be here by now. I mean it was the plan but to actually be able to be here is crazy" I admit.

"We missed you. Some, more than others, but the locker room isn't the same without you. I can't wait to have to listen to your annoying ass music on the plane and have to answer questions about you and be nice" he jokes.

"Awww you missed me" I accuse.

"I did Kaner. No one plays the game like you. And we've been doing this for eight seasons now. I don't really know of too much hockey without you here with me. And I don't want to know of playoff hockey without you" he chuckles.

"We got a long road ahead of us. And I know I'm not going to go out there and be able to pick up where I left off. But I will be able to bring some of that magic and hope it picks the team up" I insist.

"I think you're just what we need" he nods.

After practice I get to my least favorite part which was talking to media. But given the circumstances I was happy to have all these cameras in my face. This means I'm back and I'm ready to go.

"So are you released for the game tomorrow" a reporter asks me.

"We have to see how my body reacts to contact in the coming hours. If there's swelling or soreness or if I'll be okay. If there's no issues I'll be activated, if not we'll take it day by day until the trainers give me the green light" I explain.

"Did you think you would be here" another asks.

"Physically I think I always knew this was a possibility. It was the goal. Your body can only heal so fast but there is a good ratio of rest and strengthening and relaxing. I had a great team, every step of the way there was someone telling me what foods to eat to help my body heal faster and what exercises to limit or push.

The mental part was what I found out was the hard part. Being away from the team, not being a part of this organization. Knowing they needed me and I needed them but I couldn't be out there. That was defiantly the hardest part.

Luckily I have friends and family who helped me out so much. I got to go on vacation and get away. I spent a lot of time with the Elway's, Hank helping me work out and Sophie doing just about everything else. The boys stayed in contact so I was never alone. I never felt that while I was away. Useless maybe but never alone" I admit.

"So if you are back what do you want to happen" someone question.

I just smile as I nod my head.

"We're gonna try and win the cup" I say.