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Patrick Kane isn't taking sides in women's team's fight with USA Hockey

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Unlike some of his U.S.-born NHL brethren, the player many consider the face of American hockey chose to sit on the proverbial fence when asked about the ongoing struggle between USA Hockey and its national women's team.

"It's tough for all parties involved," Patrick Kane told Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune before Saturday's game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"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," Kane added.

"At the same time, I've played for USA Hockey for a long time and you feel bad for them from their perspective too. You kind of understand both sides and hopefully there's a resolution quick."

Kane has represented his country for more than a decade, beginning with the Under-18 World Championship in 2006.

The women's team is threatening to boycott the upcoming worlds unless significant progress is made in their negotiations with the governing body over what they consider to be unfair wages.

A trio of Washington Capitals defensemen who've played for the U.S. on the international stage - Kevin Shattenkirk, John Carlson, and Brooks Orpik - weighed in on the dispute earlier in the week, offering comments in support of their female counterparts' cause.

USA Hockey and the female players have exchanged salvos in the form of critical press releases, succinct tweets, and even near-dares over the last few days.

Training camp for the World Championship starts Tuesday, and the tourney opens 10 days later in Plymouth, Mich.

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