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2014 Sochi Olympics

Patrick Kane brings keepsake from late grandfather

Kevin Oklobzija
USA TODAY Sports
USA forward Patrick Kane skipped the Blackhawks' final pre-Olympic game to attend his grandfather's funeral.

SOCHI, Russia - Patrick Kane brought a heavy heart but also a lasting memory of his late grandfather to Sochi for the Winter Olympics.

Donald Kane died on Feb. 3 in Buffalo. He was 87.

His grandson, Patrick, skipped the Chicago Blackhawks game against the Phoenix Coyotes four days later in order to attend the funeral.

Kane said that all of the grandchildren were given a keepsake. Though he didn't specify what it was, the star right winger carried it with him to Russia.

"I'm happy I went home (for the funeral)," he said, "and having it not on my mind as much as it would have been, say, if it happened during the tournament.

"My mind's completely on hockey now and I want to try to do the best for my country."

Kevin Oklobzija writes for the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, N.Y.

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