Former Blackhawks coach Quenneville feels fortunate to see another ceremony for Kane
When Joel Quenneville returned to the United Center for the first time as coach of the Florida Panthers on January 21, 2020, the Blackhawks put together a dual celebration.
First came a pregame ceremony to commemorate Patrick Kane's 1,000th career point. Then, at the first commercial break, came a moving tribute video for Quenneville, which featured The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes."
Considering the Panthers normally visit the UC just once a season, the odds of Quenneville being in the building for Kane's big moment were long indeed. Incredibly, 14 months later, Quenneville was on hand Tuesday for yet another ceremony for Kane as the Hawks honored their forward for his 1,000th game, which came at Dallas on March 9,
"Coincidence or not, I feel fortunate to be around for it," said Quenneville, who was the only person on Florida's bench while Kane was honored. "So many years and so many games of watching Kaner do his thing. What a privilege to be a part of that. And at this stage of his career he keeps getting better. It's an amazing career that's gonna be celebrated today. The fact that I get to see both of them … pretty amazing.
Quenneville then added with a smile: "Who knows if I'll get to see (when) the jersey goes up to the rafters."
Joining Kane on the ice were his parents, his four-month old son and his girlfriend, Amanda. A larger ceremony will be held when every seat in the UC is allowed to be occupied.
Kane was clearly touched that Quenneville emerged from Florida's dressing room.
"It speaks volumes of how classy of a guy he is," Kane said. "Just nice skating back to the bench and seeing him and sharing that moment with him for one second."
Strange sight:
Quenneville's Panthers (20-7-4) are 10-4-3 at home, where up to 25% capacity is allowed in the stadium. Florida is one of 18 teams allowing fans. None of those teams are in Canada, meaning 75% of the franchises based in the United States have crowds.
"Knowing that there's not going to be fans in the building, you look up and you're (thinking), 'wow,'" Quenneville said. "It helps. The enthusiasm, you feel it - whether it's calls, whether it's the momentum, whether it's goals, hits. You feel it.
"The support's been outstanding. You definitely notice the buildings that have fans in them. Players appreciate that as well. It's just a matter of time before they're back here. But at the same time I think everybody's happy that the buildings are starting to become more full."
Slap shot:
Mackenzie Entwistle (2 SOG, 3 hits in 6:03) made his NHL debut when the Hawks defeated the Panthers 3-2 Tuesday. Entwistle, who was acquired from Arizona as part of the Marian Hossa trade in 2018, had 2 goals and 3 assists in 12 games for Rockford. He was a third-round pick of Arizona in 2017.