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Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aleksander Barkov praised across fanbases after Selke Trophy surprise from children's hospital patients
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was left stunned with the Frank J. Selke Trophy and King Clancy Memorial Trophy recently, but it wasn't the league or a press conference that made the experience so memorable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instead, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital patients delivered the awards in person at the Panthers' practice facility in Hollywood, Florida. The touching moment resonated not just with Florida Panthers fans but across enemy fanbases on Reddit, where hockey fans put aside playoff wars to praise Aleksander Barkov's humility and skill. Aleksander Barkov receives widespread acclaim after poignant Selke Trophy ceremony Barkov Awarded King Clancy Trophy AND Selke Trophy The surprise ceremony, organized by children fighting real-life adversity, made for a strong moment that eclipsed ordinary hockey rivalries. Aleksander Barkov, who received the Frank J. Selke Trophy for his excellent defensive play as a forward and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and community service, looked visibly shaken when the young patients presented him with the honors. But maybe the most surprising response came not from Barkov himself but from the fervent hockey community on Reddit. 'I know we're about to go to war with these dudes but I fucking love Barkov, man,' one commenter wrote, referencing the Panthers' upcoming playoff wars. Another, a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, had this to say: 'Oilers fan and completely agree. He's an absolute gem and even though he's getting more notice now, I'd still say he's underrated.' The admiration came from fans of bitter divisional rivals such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, with one even praising Barkov alongside Patrice Bergeron and Anze Kopitar, two of the best names that are synonymous with two-way greatness in hockey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'He's taken over Bergeron's on & off ice greatness!' one user commented. Others pondered the way Barkov's gentlemanly character brings dignity to the sport. One commenter commented, 'It's hard not to love him. One of the most likable players in the game.' Even those Panthers fans known for their hatred of the team couldn't help but express admiration: 'I hate the Panthers. I love Barkov. He's on the Bergeron/Kopitar tier of phenomenal players.' The response wasn't simply emotional; it also highlighted how consistently great Barkov has been and how quietly he has sustained that level. 'Barkov is so consistently good I feel some fans overlook him,' one commenter said—echoing long-time complaints that Barkov doesn't receive the national criticism he deserves. Even during controversies, like whether or not the NHL should hold off on giving out awards until the conclusion of the playoffs, the dominant mood was gratitude for Barkov's leadership both on and off the ice. Also read: Aleksander Barkov's surprise award ceremony was far more than a warm-and-fuzzy moment; it was a rare unifier in a hyper-competitive sport. With fans from every corner of the NHL universe chiming in to congratulate his class, ability, and humility, Barkov's legend as a modern icon keeps building. The Panthers might have their fair share of detractors, but their captain is winning hearts throughout the league.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov sets NHL record by winning Selke, King Clancy in the same year
Photo byAleksander Barkov just pulled off something no player in NHL history has ever done. The Florida Panthers captain clinched both the Selke Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy this year, a rare feat in itself—but made truly historic by achieving them in the same season. While other legends have won both at different points in their careers, Barkov is the first to sweep the awards together—cementing his place as not just an elite two-way player, but also a community leader off the ice. Aleksandar Barkov becomes first player to win Selke, King Clancy together For the third time in his career, Barkov claimed the Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward. Alongside it, he earned his first King Clancy Trophy, given for exceptional leadership and humanitarian efforts. While legends like Patrice Bergeron, Ron Francis, and Dave Poulin have won both over the course of their careers, none had managed to do it in a single season—until now. What made the moment even more special? Children from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital surprised Barkov by presenting him with the awards themselves. 'Bringing the kids from Joe DiMaggio to announce it — it was great for sure,' Barkov shared. 'I'll remember that for the rest of my life.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Reflecting on his journey from a wide-eyed teenager to team captain, Barkov said, 'When I first got here I was just a young kid and the community kind of like accepted me here… So at some point in my career it was just a matter of time when I realized I should probably start giving something back.' His #BarkovScores4JoeD initiative has raised over $420,000 for the hospital since 2019, donating $1,600 per goal and $800 per assist. Coach Paul Maurice praised Barkov's quiet, genuine nature: 'It so fits his personality that it's done quietly, not on a website every day. It's not a photo op for Sasha.' Forward Sam Bennett added, 'He really is just the perfect human.' In another franchise first, Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart finished second in Selke voting—marking the first 1-2 Selke finish by teammates. As the Panthers gear up for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers, Barkov's dual honor stands as a testament to leadership on and off the ice. And with his team rallying behind him, Florida fans are hoping there's even more history to write. Also Read: Top NHL prospect Matthew Schaefer returns from injury ahead of 2025 draft
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Panthers Issue Statement After NHL's Major Announcement
Panthers Issue Statement After NHL's Major Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Panthers are gearing up for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final, set to begin Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers. Advertisement This marks the second consecutive season in which the Panthers and the Oilers will face off in the Final, with Florida winning last year's series in seven games. Meanwhile, on Monday, the NHL announced Panthers star forward Aleksander Barkov had won not only his third Frank J. Selke Trophy, given "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game," but also his first King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community." "That's two more trophies to add to Aleksander Barkov's illustrious resume!" the NHL wrote. Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16).© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Immediately following the announcement, the Panthers issued a statement. Advertisement "Congrats, Cap!" they posted. Barkov was presented with both trophies in a heartwarming moment at the Panthers' practice facility. The team was scheduled to have a meeting when kids from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital entered the room to share the news. The 6-foot-2 Finnish center has been a regular visitor to the hospital throughout his career, bringing joy and putting smiles on the children's faces. Barkov previously won the Selke in the 2020–21 and 2023–24 seasons. He is now one of six players all-time to win the award three times. The other five are Pavel Datsyuk, Jere Lehtinen, Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey, and Patrice Bergeron. Advertisement Barkov was drafted No. 2 overall by the Panthers in the 2013 NHL Draft and has spent his entire 12-year career in Sunrise. This season, he appeared in 67 games, recording 20 goals, 51 assists and 71 points. Related: Wayne Gretzky Predicts 2025 Stanley Cup Final Matchup Related: Matthew Tkachuk Reveals First Text to Brad Marchand After Panthers-Bruins Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Florida Panthers React to NHL's Historic Aleksander Barkov Announcement
Florida Panthers React to NHL's Historic Aleksander Barkov Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the Florida Panthers drafted center Aleksander Barkov No. 2 overall back in 2013, they envisioned him as the face of their franchise for years to come. Advertisement Barkov has more than lived up to those expectations, leading the Panthers to a Stanley Cup championship last year and back to the Final this year while making two NHL All-Star teams and winning two Frank J. Selke Trophies, given annually to 'the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,' and a Lady Byng Trophy along the way, given to 'the player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and high playing ability.' Barkov added to his trophy case on Monday when the NHL announced that the Panthers' 29-year-old captain won his third Selke Trophy as well as his first King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given annually to 'the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.' Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Edwards-Imagn Images Barkov became the first player in NHL history to win both the Selke and King Clancy trophies in the same season, and he's just the fourth player to win both awards during his career. Advertisement The Panthers celebrated Barkov's notable achievements with a congratulatory social media post. 'Congrats, Cap! Barky won the Frank J. Selke Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy 👏' the Panthers posted on X. Barkov joined an exclusive group that includes Patrice Bergeron, Bob Gainey, Pavel Datsyuk, Jere Lehtinen, and Guy Carbonneau as the only players to win the Selke three or more times. Bergeron, a recently retired Boston Bruins legend, holds the record with six wins and Gainey is second with four wins. The 6-foot-3 Finn scored 20 goals and 71 points this season, and he led the Panthers with 51 assists and 34 takeaways. Advertisement He also ranked fourth in the NHL in faceoff win percentage (56.5%) among centers with at least 1,000 faceoffs. It was the eighth straight season his faceoff percentage was above 50. Barkov also logged four shorthanded points this season, one shy of his career high. Related: Blackhawks Legend Jonathan Toews Could Be Headed to Division Rival: Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
UPI
02-06-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov becomes NHL's first dual Selke-Clancy winner
Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov (L) is the first player in NHL history to win the Selke and Clancy trophies in the same season. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo June 2 (UPI) -- Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov earned Frank J. Selke Trophy and King Clancy Memorial Trophy honors for his performance during the 2024-25 season, the NHL announced Monday. Barkov is the first NHL player in history to win both awards in the same season. Children from the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., presented Barkov with the awards during a team meeting at the Baptist Health IcePlex -- the Panthers' practice facility -- in Fort Lauderdale. Barkov totaled 20 goals and 51 assists for 71 points over 67 games during the 2024-25 regular season. He won the Selke Trophy -- given to the league's top defensive forward -- for the second-consecutive season and third time in five years. Fellow Panthers forward Sam Reinhart finished second in Selke Trophy voting. Barkov was honored with the Clancy Trophy for his leadership and community contributions. The Panthers' No. 16 donates $1,600 for every goal he scores and $800 for each assist he logs to the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. He also frequently visits the children at the hospital and brought the Stanley Cup to the facility last off-season after the Panthers won the NHL title. "Thank you, guys," Barkov said. "I know I don't have much time right now to come see you guys at the hospital. I really appreciate you guys coming here. I love giving back to you." Barkov, who has donated more than $420,000 to the hospital since 2019, also provides a suite at Amerant Bank Arena to host doctors, nurses, patients, families and hospital staff at Panthers home games. The star forward and the Panthers will take on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
