WNY's next hockey star: Adam Clendening

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) - As we celebrate Kane's Buffalo roots, the next western New York hockey star is busy getting ready for his local debut. If it works out, Adam Clendening will get to do something that Kane couldn't: play for the home team at the HSBC Arena.

When he left Niagara Falls at age 14, Adam Clendening was hoping he'd be right back here in western New York wearing the red, white and blue and preparing for a life on the ice.

Clendening said, "That's always been a dream of mine to play in the NHL. I'm getting there slowly, but surely. Hopefully if I stay at this pace, we'll see what happens."

Clendening emerged this winter at the Under 18 World Championships in Belarus. He tied for the team lead in points and led all defenseman in scoring.

"It was a good tournament. I know I had to show what I can do. Everybody does there. It's a tournament where you showcase yourselves, and give it your best," recalled Clendening.

Clendening play helped the USA win the gold medal.

Clendening explained, "It was tough. It all ended up being worth it. You work two years, and you come out with a gold medal. Coming out with a silver wouldn't have been the same. If you come out with the gold, being the best in the world."

In August, the 17-year-old will head to Boston University and play for the Terriers. Then, he'll try to earn a spot on the U.S. team that will play in the World Junior Championships. That tournament is here in Buffalo at the HSBC Arena.

"It will be very special if I play here in front of everybody that I know, and hopefully people that will know me now. Yeah, it will great to play here, and if we win, it will be indescribable," said Clendening.

Clendening isn't eligible fo this month's NHL draft, but he's expected to be a first round pick in 2011. If you're interested in hearing more parallels between Patrick Kane and Adam Clendening, check out Paul Peck's reporter's notebook here .