[Cali Panthers Fan]

Quick story...bear with me.

My neighbor has a 7 year old daughter who has recently become a massive hockey/Panthers fan.

Their daddy/daughter days were mostly him taking her to Panthers games.

One of the last games at the end of the season, they were there, and the Panthers won (hooray!).

During the 3 stars announcement, he and his daughter went down near the glass. Barkov was one of the 3 stars and did the thing where he skates over with a stick and gives it to a fan. He was skating right toward my neighbor's daughter, but then gave the stick to a boy next to her at the last second.

She. Was. Devastated.

My neighbor, trying to help out his daughter, reached out to the organization and explained how upset she was at the near monumental moment of getting a stick from her favorite player.

They responded...and not only did they get a stick for her... they got a personal meet and greet with Sasha Barkov who was only too happy to make her day.

This is why I love Barkov. This is why I love the Panthers. They get it and are very good with the fans an community. I credit Viola for that shift in culture, but it permeates all parts of this team, and Barkov is the ultimate captain.

Don't worry Flames fans. You cheered for the good guys yet again.