d, along with Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy, to swap stories of the Stanley Cup’s travels. The group’s discussion ranged from the classiest swimming pool the Cup has ever been in (answer: the Cup is not technically supposed to go swimming) to the crazy locations it has traveled to. The Keepers shared memories of bringing the Cup to Belarus with Nikolai Khabibulin, the Eiffel Tower with Cristobal Huet and to visit troops in Afghanistan when a missile attack happened.Leddy talked about his experience winning the Cup this season,Patrick Sharp Jersey Red, from disbelief on the ice – “I kept pushing guys to go in front of me to see what they would do” – to fulfilling a childhood dream and bringing the Cup home to Minnesota. In all their years taking care of the Cup, the Keepers said that Chicago,Stan Mikita Jersey with Stanley Cup Finals, both in 2010 and 2013, is one of most passionate cities they have ever visited.“I don’t think there’s a greater sports city than here in Chicago,” said Bolt.10:15 a.m.: We’re Going Streaking!While the season ended with the Stanley Cup, its beginning was equally memorable as the Blackhawks set a record for best start in NHL history. The Streak – 24 consecutive games earning a point – was relived in this session, which featured forwards Patrick Kane and Bryan Bickell and Head Coach Joel Quenneville. The trio reflected on the team’s depth, the pressure of keeping the success going and changes made because of the condensed schedule. All three noted the increased intensity during the Streak,Marian Hossa Green Premier Jersey, comparing them to playoff games, but Quenneville stressed focusing on one game at a time.The panel was opened up for questions following the introductions. This prompted an original Kane-themed “knock-knock” joke from a young fan, Kane’s recollection of Tweeting with and meeting Lebron James and the Blackhawks gracing the national cover of Sports Illustrated. Despite a loss to Colorado that ended the Streak at 24, everyone made note of what an incredible accomplishment it was and the pride felt throughout the team.“Let’s get 25 to start next year,” said Kane.11:30 a.m.: Growing the GameWinning the Stanley Cup causes a ripple effect,Tony Esposito Jersey with Stanley Cup Finals, and one of the things heavily influenced by a successful pro hockey team is the local interest and growth of the sport. USA Hockey’s Kevin Erlenbach and Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois’ Mike Durkin and Mike Mullally joined Blackhawks Director of Youth Hockey Annie Camins and Chicago-born 2013 draft pick Ryan Hartman to discuss the phenomenal growth of hockey in Illinois. The Blackhawks have seen a 340 percent fan-base increase in the past five years, and along with that, a 43 percent growth in youth hockey participants as compared with the 12 percent national growth rate. Now powerful hockey markets such as Minnesota and Canada, who are seeing stagnation or declines, are coming to Illinois for advice.Off the ice, the Blackhawks also provide support for youth hockey through camps coached by alumni and pla