TORONTO _ As one of the faces of Team USA, Patrick Kane has kept tabs on the rift between the U.S. women's national team and USA Hockey that threatens the Americans' participation in the upcoming women's world championships.
Team USA said last week it would boycott the tournament, beginning March 31 in Plymouth, Mich., if it does not receive what it considers equitable support from USA Hockey. The sides have exchanged barbs via statements to the media the last few days, and no resolution appears close.
"It's tough for all parties involved," Kane said before the Hawks played the Maple Leafs on Saturday at the Air Canada Centre. "I'm sure it's tough for those women to be doing that in the first place. I'm sure they love playing, especially when the world championships are going to be on home soil this year and they have to give that up because of some rights they believe in.
"At the same time, I've played for USA Hockey for a long time, and you feel bad for them from their perspective too," Kane added. "You kind of understand both sides, and hopefully there's a resolution quick."
