Blackhawks give sneak peak of new $65 million practice center

With Chicago at the center of the hockey universe as host of this weekend’s NHL draft, the Blackhawks on Friday offered a sneak peak at their nearly-completed, double-rink practice facility that will double as a West Side recreation center.

Hawks owner Rocky Wirtz, super-star Patrick Kane, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman led reporters on a guided tour through a building Emanuel called the “new gold standard” for NHL training.

The 125,000 square-foot, $65 million center is expected to open in November on the site of the old Malcolm X College, 1801 W. Jackson.

For Kane, the new facility could make the difference between another Stanley Cup and last season’s first-round exit in the NHL Playoffs.

Full Article: http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/blackhawks-give-sneak-peak-of-new-55-million-practice-center/