Patrick Kane has a history of making things a big deal.

When Blackhawks teammate Adam Burish and his agent Bill Zito wanted to put in a charity game during the previous NHL lockout in 2012-13, Kane jumped on board and helped generate buzz for the event in the Chicago suburbs.

Zito hasn’t forgotten that and on Monday got to name Kane as the United States captain for next month’s IIHF World Hockey Championship in Denmark.

“When we talked to him about this, his passion for hockey, his enthusiasm for the game is wonderful,” Zito told The Associated Press by phone. “Just thrilled that he’s part of it.”

Kane last played at the world championships in 2008, his first in the NHL and the last time the Blackhawks missed the playoffs. The three-time Stanley Cup winner’s presence should improve the quality of play at the tournament and the interest in fellow U.S. players to join him.

“I think what it says is it doesn’t matter where you are in hockey, if you love the game, you want to be part of it and respect USA Hockey and Pat Kane showed up,” Zito said.

Kane played for the U.S. at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and next month will lead a strong team that includes Buffalo Sabres rookie and world junior MVP Casey Mittelstadt and possibly Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin.