The Florida skipper made a huge donation to a children’s hospital.
Aleksander Barkov made a million dollar donation to the children’s hospital. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital said that Florida’s captain Alexander Barkov has donated a seven-figure sum to them.
The Finn has previously donated more than 400,000 dollars to the same hospital.
The children’s hospital showed Barkov a video in which sick children thanked the puck star for the donation. It brought the star center to tears.
– You made me cry for the first time in my life, Barkov said.
With the latest donation, a special program at the children’s hospital will be named after the Panthers star.
– I can’t really describe in words what it means to me and my family that our family’s name is in the sports medicine program… As a child in Finland, I dreamed of playing in the NHL, but I could never have dreamed of this moment, Barkov said according to the Miami Herald.
Barkov is known in Florida for his philanthropy. He’s been in the NHL because of it King Clancy Memorial award too. It is awarded annually to a player who demonstrates leadership qualities both on and off the ice and has done significant humanitarian work in their community.
– During my first visit to the hospital, I didn’t speak English very well. However, I saw how it all happened, how amazing the health workers are and how special the children are, but I couldn’t really say anything. Now it’s easier for me to talk and I can connect with the staff, the children and their families. I will do everything in my power so that these children have a reason to smile, Barkov said.
Barkov has been sidelined for the entire early season due to a knee injury. However, he said on Tuesday that the return is already close.
Florida has 25 games left in the regular season. The team is eight points away from the wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Panthers return to action after the Olympic break on Friday night when they take on Toronto at home.
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Source: Yahoo Sports
