SJHN Daily: Kane Speaks Up for Bullied Fan Cecily Eklund

Evander Kane got into it with a Los Angeles Kings fan…but in a good way.

Yesterday on Instagram, the polarizing ex-San Jose Sharks star unloaded on a Kings fan who spit on 10-year-old Cecily Eklund, a cancer survivor who has raised almost $100,000 for children with cancer.

Eklund was in Los Angeles for Game Three of the Edmonton Oilers-Kings first-round series.

“I’m disgusted and appalled at what happened to this amazing little girl in the stands and in a woman’s restroom where she was harassed for wearing her jersey and was spit on by a LA fan for doing so,” Kane wrote.

Cathy Eklund, Cecily’s mother, confirmed Kane’s account to The Global News.

“It wasn’t the best experience,” Cathy Eklund acknowledged, “but it’s also very important to remember that a couple fans don’t represent the whole fanbase.”

To that end, the Global News also reported that Kings fans, in response to Kane’s post, had donated over $7,000 to Cecily’s fundraising page by mid-day yesterday.

Hey Kings Twitter, this awesome and amazing hockey fan is named Cecily, and she has cancer. Here is her donation page. Let’s show her what real Kings fans are like.https://t.co/gWSxofeoDx

— x – Grand Inquisitor Zach (@ZachtheKingsfan) April 25, 2023

Kane also shared a DM that he received from the Kings fan who took responsibility for spitting on Eklund, blaming him for it.

“Maybe you should be kind and not be such a fuckin scum bag,” she wrote. “We Kings fans literally hate you. You make us spit on kids for being a dirty mother fucker. Listen to your own words and be kind. You fuckin scum bag.”

Scandal and controversy have marred Kane’s career, especially the end of his time with the San Jose Sharks, which San Jose Hockey Now covered last year:

Kane Talks Thompson Fight, Surprise That Sharks Wanted to Trade Him

Obviously, none of that excuses this Kings fan’s behavior toward a child.

According to the Global News, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido confirmed last night that an employee with the same name of this Kings fan no longer works at the car dealership.

The Oilers are currently up 3-2 over the Kings in their first-round series. Game Six is on Apr. 29, back in Los Angeles.

Kane has three goals so far, including a late, game-tying Game Four strike.

At San Jose Hockey Now…

Three underrated San Jose Sharks positives after another tough season.

Locked On Sharks grades San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier‘s first free agency class.

Other Sharks News…

The Athletic asks how San Jose Sharks fans are feeling about their team.

David Quinn says that ex-Shark Nick Bonino is joining him at the World Championships — the Sharks head coach is also behind the bench for Team USA:

The Athletic 🏒 Show 🇺🇸 @TheAthleticNHL

David Quinn of @SanJoseSharks & @usahockey with @CraigCustance & @seangentille
+ Leafs & Devils win, Makar hits McCann, MIN/DAL pivotal gm5 & who starts in goal for EDM?
🎧⬇️

Spotify:https://t.co/CufCwPgtE0
Apple:https://t.co/lq437i8ZuE pic.twitter.com/Hg5t0n1mG4

— Jeff Domet (@jeffdomet) April 25, 2023

A lot of great San Jose Sharks playoff memories yesterday:

April 25, 2011:

Against the Kings at Staples Center in Game Six of the WCQF, #SJSharks forward Joe Thornton scored the overtime series clinching goal. #StanleyCup

📸 AP
🚨 SJ 4, LA 3 (OT) 🚨
📰 SJ wins series 4-2 📰 pic.twitter.com/ilXBtm0yUk

— San Jose Sharks History (@sjsharkshistory) April 26, 2023

April 25, 2000:

At Kiel Center in Game 7 of WCQF, forward Owen Nolan's center ice goal near end of 1st period held as winning goal as 8th seeded #SJSharks    stunned the 114pt Presidents' Trophy Blues. #StanleyCup

📸 Getty Images
🚨 SJ 3, STL 1 🚨
📰 SJ wins series 4-3 📰 pic.twitter.com/v0WneFbZFw

— San Jose Sharks History (@sjsharkshistory) April 26, 2023

Around the NHL…

Ex-San Jose Sharks defenseman Christian Ehrhoff is making a comeback!

Former NHLer Christian Ehrhoff is coming back to play in the second-tier German league for next year.

He hasn't played since 2018. The Sabres are still paying him $857,143 a season until 2028. https://t.co/6TAQGpkiIi

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) April 26, 2023

It looks like Joe Pavelski is traveling to Minnesota for Game Six and will be a game-time decision:

Stars Media Availability Wednesday:

• Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said he would classify Joe Pavelski as a “game-time decision” for Friday’s Game 6. Pavelski will practice with the team tomorrow in Dallas. Said he fully expects him to travel with the team to Minnesota.

— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) April 26, 2023

Elias Pettersson wants to play for Sweden at the World Championships, but can’t, because of…insurance?

Elias Pettersson did not get the insurance to play at the worlds.

Said last week it was going to be tough. https://t.co/LlKxyonp1S

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 26, 2023

The Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs are playing in Sweden next year.

Can the Avalanche win without the suspended Cale Makar?

What went right, what went wrong for the Los Angeles Kings in their Game Five loss to Edmonton?

Linus Ullmark reflects on Matthew Tkachuk trying to fight him in Game Four.