It’s a great time to be Aleksander Barkov right now.
The 28-year-old captain of the Florida Panthers is enjoying life as a Stanley Cup champion.
Last month, Barkov became the first Finnish captain to hoist the Stanley Cup when Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers in an epic seven-game showdown.
In the time since, he and his teammates have been living the good life.
They spent the first week or so celebrating in and around South Florida, taking the Cup all over town and enjoying it with Panthers fans.
Lately, players have all gone their separate ways for the summer, heading back to their respective hometowns to train and prepare for the upcoming season.
The only catch is that this summer, they all get a day with Lord Stanley.
You can read about Barkov’s big day on Wednesday by clicking here, but during his ‘Barkov Day’ celebrations in Tampere, he was asked about something that he and his teammates have to look forward to.
This Nov. 1 and 2, Florida will be back in Barkov’s hometown for the NHL Global Series, where they’ll face off against the Dallas Stars.
“I’m very excited,” Barkov said with a smile.
It’s not just a big deal for Barkov, as three of his fellow Panthers, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola, are also from Finland.
“That’s like a dream come true, especially for me and I’m sure for those guys as well, to come back to our home country and play an NHL game here, which is not usual,” Barkov said. “You don’t get to do that, maybe ever.”
Speaking from Nokia Arena, the same venue where the Cats and Stars will lock horns in exactly three months, Barkov is enjoying what should end up being some of the best memories of his hockey career.
He’s a Stanley Cup champion, surrounded by loved ones back in his hometown, where he’s been helping bring joy to thousands upon thousands of Finnish hockey fans.
“I cannot wait to bring the team here, have some fun and play some games,” he said.
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