A second-grade class in suburban Chicago was full of Olympic spirit Wednesday, thanks to a surprise from their favorite Blackhawks player going for gold in Sochi.
Patrick Kane sent home signed mini-hockey sticks and a special message to the class that sent him their own message of encouragement.
"I just want to say thank you to the second graders in Mrs. Gibbs' class," Kane said. "Thank you for cheering me on here in Sochi, Russia. I appreciate the message. Hopefully we can bring back a gold."
Kane sent the taped video to the students at May Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills, a moment the kids said was "awesome and cool."
Teacher Christy Gibbs said it all began with a tweet.
"It said 'we're a 2nd grade class and we're cheering you on, good luck!'" Gibbs said.
A team from McDonalds showed Kane the tweet and brought back the video message along with Olympic jackets, a toy mascot, McDonald's gift cards and, best of all, Sochi-themed hockey sticks autographed by Kaner himself.
Isabella Mazzoccoli was especially excited by the signed hockey stick.
"When I watch him play sometimes I'm gonna hold it and wish him good luck," Isabella said.
"Thank you for these gifts," Isabel Heitkenpr said. "I hope you win a gold medal."
Team USA is closer to that goal thanks to Wednesday's win against the Czech Republic that put them in the semi-finals.
