Blackhawks star Kane denies drinking problem

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane said Friday he doesn't think he has a drinking problem, but he was "embarrassed" by a public display of partying early in the offseason during a Cinco De Mayo celebration in Madison, Wisc.

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane said Friday he doesn't think he has a drinking problem, but he was "embarrassed" by a public display of partying during a Cinco De Mayo celebration in Madison, Wis.

"It was embarrassing," Kane said at the opening of the annual Hawks fan convention on Friday. "That's the first thing I can say. From the pictures that came out, to the disappointment from the Hawks organization, to my family, to myself personally. It's embarrassing."

Kane spoke publicly for the first time since general manager Stan Bowman said the team was "disappointed" in his actions that weekend.

"It's not who I want to be," Kane said. "I want to be a role model to kids and to everyone for that matter. It's something I want to put behind me and be the best person and player I can be ... It was the end of the season and I was looking for a good weekend with my friends and things got a little out of control."

Kane pled guilty to a noncriminal charge of disorderly conduct in 2009 after an altercation with a Buffalo cab driver. He also was photographed partying in a limousine during a road trip in Vancouver in 2010.

Kane was asked directly Friday if he has a drinking problem.

"I don't think so," Kane said. "I don't want to put myself in that position again, but no I don't think I do."

After the Wisconsin incident, Bowman said the team was "obviously disappointed how it played out and Patrick is aware of that fact."

Kane knows why the team was upset. The image he portrayed wasn't a positive one.

"Nothing illegal happened," Kane said. "But you have to realize the spotlight you're in whether it's Chicago or Buffalo, no matter where you are. You have to act like someone is always watching you, and no matter what you're doing it can be put out there on the Internet, news blogs or articles."

Kane was coming off a career-low 66 points this past season, and the Hawks were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round for the second year in a row after winning the Stanley Cup in 2010. At the time of the weekend party, Kane had turned down a chance to play for the U.S team at the world championships.

He didn't deny the idea of being traded has crossed his mind.

"There are a lot of things presented here you don't have in other organizations," Kane said. "That's another scary thing. You hear moves and deals and you want to be part of this franchise and the ultimate goal."