Chicago Blackhawks’ star forward Patrick Kane doesn’t mind carrying the banner for USA Hockey.

He’s been one of the leaders since he entered the NHL in 2007, serving as one of the best American forwards in the game and taking over for the likes of Mike Modano, Jeremy Roenick and Keith Tkachuk.

“I’m excited to be at the forefront with a lot of great players,” Kane said. “There’s a lot of great American players in the league right now. It’s exciting to be there with them.”

Kane was a highly successful product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, breaking the organization’s single-season record for points while tying the single-season record for goals and assists. He finished second on the program’s all-time list in career goals and points. That success helped Kane earn a No. 1-ranking among North American prospects heading into the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

He helped make USA Hockey history in 2007, joining fellow Olympian James van Riemsdyk to become the first U.S.-born players selected with the first two picks in the draft. Kane, the sixth American-born first overall selection, joined Erik Johnson as the first U.S.-born players chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in back-to-back years.

It proved to be a banner year for USA Hockey, as a record 62 out of 211 players drafted — nearly 30 percent — in 2007 were American. And Kane led the charge.

“There’s a lot of support and a lot of great American hockey players right now,” Kane said. “It seems like every year more and more are getting drafted.”

Kane has represented Team USA on the biggest stage, too, starring internationally as a member of the 2010 and 2014 U.S. Olympic Teams. He earned a silver medal during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and contributed four assists in six games for the 2014 team that competed in Sochi, Russia.

“I think we all enjoy playing in the Olympics,” said Kane, who also represented Team USA in the 2006 World Junior Championships and 2008 World Championships. “That’s probably the biggest stage for any type of athletic event.”

He hopes to star for his country again next year when the World Cup of Hockey returns, allowing the world’s best players to shine again on an international stage.

“Every time you get a chance to put on your nation’s jersey, this is just another opportunity to do that,” Kane said. “I think the tournament itself will be very competitive, and I think we all have a lot of pride playing for our country and being able to be part of something as special as this.”

The Stanley Cup is just as special to Kane, and the Buffalo, New York, native has twice hoisted the top prize in hockey above his head with the Blackhawks.

Kane clinched the first championship in 2010, scoring the game-winning overtime goal in Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Three years later, Kane won his second Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks and also became the first American-born forward — and fourth American — to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

He would like nothing more than to win a third this season.

“Every year you have a good chance, especially with this team and this organization,” Kane said. “They’re going to put the best team possible on the ice, and you’re going to have a good chance to be there come June. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting there again.”

The 26-year-old Kane is on pace to set career marks in goals and points this season. He scored his 20th goal of the season last month, becoming the first American-born player to score at least 20 goals in his first eight seasons. He also put himself in position to try to become the first American-born player to win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL regular-season scoring champion and the second American-born player to capture the Hart Trophy as season MVP.

Kane credited his teammates for the help.

“It’s not just me,” Kane said. “There’s a lot of players to feed off of in this locker room. It’s a very good atmosphere and helps you get better every day.”

There’s no question, however, that Kane is one of the best Americans in the game, and his continued success will help set a new standard for U.S. players for years to come.

“USA Hockey is in a good spot right now,” Kane said. “I think it’s getting better every year, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.