COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A year after Patrick Kanes career appeared in jeopardy because of a sexual assault claim, the Chicago Blackhawks star was named one of the alternate captains for the United States for the World Cup of Hockey.Its a huge honor for sure, Kane said. Its one of those things I dont know if I was expecting to receive that, but at the same time, I still think its a responsibility I can handle and hopefully take somewhat of a leadership role and take charge.The sexual assault case in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, was dropped Nov. 5 for what the prosecutor said was a clear lack of evidence, and Kane quickly put the off-ice troubles aside. He had an early 26-game points streak and became the first American-born player to win the Art Ross (top scorer) and Hart (most valuable player) trophies.Sometimes you look back, its almost like a blur, it went by so quick, he said. It didnt seem like it at the time but it was a really fun year.He had 106 points (46 goals, 60 assists) to become the first player to crack the 100-point mark in four seasons, and finished 17 points ahead of runner-up Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars.He was on a roll early, got his confidence going and never looked back, said David Backes, the Boston center and U.S. teammate.Along the way Kane might have grown up as well. The incident in Buffalo was the latest of several brushes with the law in his career.Im 27 years old. Im going to be 28 later this year; you want to maximize your potential, he said. You want to get all you can out of your prime while youre still young, maybe advance that prime into your later years too. Thats where my thinking is now.U.S. and Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella knew Kanes reputation but did not know him before the Americans training camp opened Monday in the Ohio city.He has matured. We all see that, the coach said. A lot of things have gone on with him obviously. Just talking to with him one-on-one here in the past couple of days you can see the maturity.Thats why Kane was named an alternate captain, along with the Minnesota Wilds Ryan Suter, to captain Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks.I want (Kane) to take more responsibility now, Tortorella said. Hes ready for more responsibility as a leader of a U.S. team where before it was `Kaner, go play and hes really good at it. I think hes ready for more responsibility and Im ready to give it to him because he deserves it.The game has always come easy for Kane, who has won Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks in 2010, 13 and 15 and a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. But last season he went to a different level.He was the best player in the league last year, Montreal Canadiens winger Max Pacioretty said. Not many people can play the game the way he does. Hes special.He, Kane and Pavelski form the top line for the U.S. and they need to come through for any chance of winning the eight-team tournament. The U.S plays World Cup favorite Canada in an exhibition games Friday in Columbus and Saturday in Ottawa.The focus will be on Kane but this time for a good reason.I sometimes catch myself over the summer saying, `OK, you did it once but can you do it again? Can you prove yourself again? Kane said. It gave me a little bit of motivation over the summer, a lot of motivation. I want to get back to the level, stay there and do it as long as I can. Its fun when youre producing like that on the ice. You feel awesome. Wholesale MLB Jerseys Free Shipping .com) - Following a late-game loss to the reigning NBA champs, the Toronto Raptors will look to sustain their recent high-level play as they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers. 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NEW ORLEANS -- Travin Thibodeaux had a triple-double as New Orleans snapped a three-game losing skid, dominating Florida College 90-63 on Friday night.Thibodeaux had 10 points, 10 rebounds and dished out a career-high 11 assists to get the first triple-double at New Orleans (2-3) since 2009.Erik Thomas and Christavious Gill combined for 43 points. Thomas was 10 of 12 from the floor for 23 points. Gill, who nailed 3 of 6 from long range, made 8 of 11 field goal attempts for 20 points and had five assists. TTevin Broyles chipped in 13 points.ddddddddddddew Orleans was only up 38-31 at the break but pulled away in the second half, winning that period 52-32.The Privateers shot 60 percent (33-55) from the field while limiting Florida College to 23-of-58 shooting. They also won the rebound battle, 43-25.Kent Hegarty and Eddie Moralobo led the Falcons with 17 and 16 points respectively. ' ' '