In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aleksander Barkov, a key player for the Florida Panthers, found himself puzzled during what he assumed to be a routine team meeting. Typically, such gatherings end with the players being dismissed, but this time, the team was kept in the room for a special reason.
During the Panthers’ recent playoff journey, there wasn’t an opportunity to visit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, an institution close to Barkov’s heart due to his philanthropic efforts there. To make up for this, the team arranged for some young patients to visit their facility. These children arrived with unexpected “gifts” for Barkov, which turned out to be very significant honors.
Barkov anticipated that the gifts might be artwork from the children. As he eagerly made his way to meet them in the team’s theater-style meeting room, his surprise was palpable when he received the King Clancy Trophy, which recognizes leadership and humanitarian contributions, and the Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defensive forward.
These trophies were formally awarded to Barkov recently, with the announcements made by the NHL earlier a week before. This marks Barkov’s third Selke win and first King Clancy acknowledgment. “It was amazing,” Barkov shared, overwhelmed with emotion. He expressed deep gratitude for the carefully orchestrated surprise.
In a new approach, the NHL has opted to reveal its top individual awards in a dramatic fashion, with only select insiders aware of the planned surprises. The Barkov announcement was similarly filmed and recorded by the NHL and TNT, hinting at the extraordinary nature of the day’s meeting.
Selling the surprise, Panthers coach Paul Maurice stood at his usual post at the front, casually suggesting the next speaker might be waiting to enter. He opened a side door for Bill Zito, president of hockey operations and general manager, who played along seamlessly. Zito introduced a young patient, framing it as a token of thanks for Barkov. As the boy concluded his brief words, he invited the special gift, prompting an NHL representative to bring in the King Clancy Trophy.
Addressing the children and their families, Barkov expressed his heartfelt thanks, visibly touched by the occasion. “I was not expecting this. You guys made this special. I’m a bit emotional, but truly grateful,” he shared.
Adding to the emotional moment, another group of children entered with the Selke Trophy. Holding the Clancy, Barkov joked, “Another speech?” as his teammates applauded once more. He thanked them for their support and dedication, emphasizing their collective mission to win another Stanley Cup.
The Panthers’ journey continues as they prepare to confront the Edmonton Oilers in the forthcoming Stanley Cup Final, a series reminiscent of last year’s seven-game triumph by Florida. For Barkov, the support from the Joe DiMaggio children is both inspiring and rewarding.
Their unwavering support during the finals is meaningful to Barkov, who concludes, “I’m delighted to give back and support them in any way I can.”