Marko Dano was already happy to celebrate his 21st birthday on Monday. But when he returned to town on Sunday, he got a big surprise to make it that much more special.
Dano’s mom flew in from Slovakia this weekend, and she’ll be at the United Center Tuesday night to watch him when the Blackhawks host the Minnesota Wild. Dano wasn’t expecting the visit on Sunday, when the Blackhawks came back from their Circus Trip.
“I walked to the lobby and she was sitting there. I was shocked, staring at her,” Dano said following morning skate. “It was unbelievable, such a nice surprise for me. It’s nice to have mom around and she’ll be at the game tonight, so it’ll be special.”
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Dano, who was a healthy scratch when the Blackhawks faced the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, was back among the four lines. He was on the third line with Marcus Kruger and fellow countryman Marian Hossa.
As for the surprise family visit, Dano said he and his mother had a great Monday.
“We hung around a little yesterday, did some shopping and has a nice birthday,” Dano said.
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It’s the first time Andrea Danova has attended one of her son’s NHL games and Dano, who’s had some great scoring chances but has been in a slump for a while, hopes she brings good luck.
“I have to be patient and positive. I’ve had a couple of chances and I still can’t score,” Dano said. “Hopefully with my mom here I do.”