Enlarge Jim McIsaac, Getty Images The Chicago Blackhawks said that American Patrick Kane is one of three players they may choose with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft on June 22. If chosen, Kane would become only the sixth American player to be the top overall pick.  2007 NHL DRAFT American forward Pat Kane could be top pick After top eight, teams' preferences take over U.S. provides defensive depth in draft Mock draft: Kyle Woodlief forecasts the first round Kyle Woodlief's position by position preview: Forwards | Defensemen | Goalies Chat transcript: Kyle Woodlief answers questions about the draft

"I carried a ball and stick around all day, and the hotel would always try to limit me, but I would always find a way to stickhandle in the hallway," Kane said, laughing.

The magical touch that Buffalo native Kane developed from hours of stickhandling in his basement and beyond will pay off if he goes No. 1 overall to the Chicago Blackhawks in Friday's NHL draft in Columbus.

Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon has said only that he has narrowed his choice to Kane; U.S.-born power forward James vanRiemsdyk, a University of New Hampshire recruit; and Kyle Turris, a Canadian who has committed to play college hockey at Wisconsin.

"Kane is a brilliant passer and scorer," Tallon said. "He can make unbelievable passes. He seems to have great vision. He makes plays that you don't expect anyone to be capable of making. He has that second set of eyes."

If Kane goes to Chicago, he would be the fifth American to go No. 1, joining Brian Lawton (1983), Mike Modano (1988), Bryan Berard (1995), Rick DiPietro (2000) and Erik Johnson (2006). With Johnson going No. 1 last summer, it would mark the first time Americans have gone No. 1 in back-to-back drafts.

If Kane goes to Chicago and vanRiemsdyk goes No. 2 to Philadelphia, it would mark the first time Americans have gone first and second in the same draft year.

According to the NHL draft guide, Kane is 5-10, 160 pounds, but he might have received a generous spot on the height. He's a diminutive player, although scouts clearly don't mind.

"Even though he isn't the big guy, he goes into traffic and he doesn't get knocked down," Tallon said. "He's not a perimeter player by any means."

He scored 62 goals and 83 assists for a league-leading 145 points in 58 games for the London (Ontario) Knights of the OHL this season. He also was dominant at the world junior championships when he was competing against the world's best teenage players.

"He has some of the best hands I've ever seen," said London teammate Sam Gagner, the son of former NHL player Dave Gagner.

Scouts also are intrigued by Kane's passion for his sport: He wants the puck when the game is on the line. And he's not shy about showing his joy.

"I love to score goals and I love to plan my celebrations," he said. "I love scoring for the fans, for the team, for myself. That's not to say that I won't pass if I see a teammate in a better scoring position. But I like to score."

His scoring celebrations frequently are memorable. His best might have come when he scored a tying goal against Oshawa in the closing minutes and went down on one knee at center ice, positioned his stick like it was a bow, and pulled an imaginary arrow out of his imaginary quiver and fired it as he slid across the ice.

"All the guys loved, but it was the only time I used that, but I'm sure I will bring it out again," he said, laughing.

Gagner called Kane's celebration choreography "lots of fun."

"It brings excitement to the rink," Gagner said. "I've played with him all year and the new and creative things he comes up with are a lot of fun, and after we score I try to let him go a little bit before I rein him in."