It’s a great time to be Aleksander Barkov right now.
The 28-year-old Florida Panthers captain is enjoying life as a Stanley Cup champion.
Last month, Barkov became the first Finnish captain to win the Stanley Cup when Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers in an epic seven-game showdown.
Since then, he and his teammates have lived a good life.
They spent the first week celebrating in and around South Florida, taking the Cup all over town and having fun with Panthers fans.
As of late, all of the players have gone their separate ways over the summer, returning to their respective hometowns to train and prepare for the upcoming season.
The only problem is that this summer everyone will have a day with Lord Stanley.
You can read about Barkov’s big day on Wednesday by clicking herebut during the ‘Barkov Day’ celebrations in Tampere, he was asked about something he and his companions should look forward to.
On November 1st and 2nd, Florida will be back in Barkov’s hometown for the NHL Global Series, where they will face the Dallas Stars.
“I’m very excited,” Barkov said with a smile.
It’s not just a big problem for Barkov, as three of his fellow Panthers, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola, are also from Finland.
“It’s like a dream come true, especially for me and I’m sure for these guys too, to come back to our country and play an NHL game here, which is not common,” Barkov said. “You won’t be able to do this, maybe never.”
Speaking from Nokia Arena, the same venue where the Cats and Stars will meet in exactly three months, Barkov is enjoying what should end up being some of the best memories of his hockey career.
He is a Stanley Cup champion, surrounded by loved ones in his hometown, where he has helped bring joy to thousands and thousands of Finnish hockey fans.
“I can’t wait to get the team here, have fun and play some games,” he said.
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