He’s kind of a big guy.
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov capped off a great year by winning the “Athlete of the Year” honor at the Finnish Sports Gala in Helsinki on Thursday.
Awarded annually since 1947, Barkov is the first hockey player to receive this prestigious award.
“It means a lot to me to get that honor,” Barkov said, praising Finland’s rich hockey history. “I’m really happy to receive this award. Yes, I’m very grateful.”
Highlighting a variety of athletic achievements, past winners include swimmers, skiers, soccer players, race car drivers, rowers, and weightlifters, to name just a few.
“Finland is a huge sports powerhouse,” Barkov said. “They love sports.”
So how did Barkov separate himself from other people in his homeland?
Well, it helps that he’s the first Finnish-born player to captain a Stanley Cup champion.
The 29-year-old center, who helped the Panthers bring Lord Stanley to South Florida, finished tied for the team-leading 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) in the team’s epic playoff run.
During the regular season, he was a two-way fighter and won his second Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward.
In addition to being named Finland’s “Player of the Year” and “Hockey Player of the Year,” Barkov’s historic Stanley Cup win was considered the “Moment of the Year.”
Like most Panthers fans, it’s a moment that will stay with him forever.
“It was, without a doubt, one of the best moments of my life, and always will be,” Barkov said. “I’m so grateful to be able to do that here in Florida, and it’s a huge honor to be the first Finnish captain.”
Congratulations, Cap!
