Connect with us

FHN Daily

Sasha Barkov: ‘Really Thankful’ to Be Honored as Top Athlete in Finland

Published

on

Florida panthers
Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov was named 2024’s top athlete in Finland on Thursday after being the first from his country to captain a team to the Stanley Cup. // Photo courtesy @FlaPanthers

SUNRISE — Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is not exactly a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve.



But when he was named Finland’s Sportsman of the Year — the first hockey player ever so honored — it was obvious that he was touched and, based on his reaction, floored.

On Thursday, the Finnish Association of Sports Journalists named Barkov his country’s top athlete a few months after he became the first Finnish player to ever captain to win the Stanley Cup. 

Barkov has always taken pride in his heritage, of where he was born and raised.

To be the recipient of such an honor appeared to overwhelm him when talking about it Thursday night.

Yes, the Panthers were fresh off a disappointing showing in a 5-2 loss to the Red Wings.

Sitting in his locker stall, still in his game clothes and dripping in sweat, Barkov could not stop smiling when talking about what it meant to him.

No One Covers the Florida Panthers Like FHN. Period.

Subscribe to Florida Hockey Now Today!

“This means the world to me,” Barkov said. “It’s the Athlete of the Year in Finland, the country where I was born and raised. I grew up watching the national teams play, cheering for them.

“To get that honor is huge for me. I am really happy and really thankful to them for the award. I am really thankful.”

Barkov, the proud son of Tampere, has had one hell of a year.

And, all of Finland has enjoyed the ride.

When Barkov took the Stanley Cup from Gary Bettman after the Panthers won Game 7 back on June 24, there were a few Finnish flags being waved in the crowd.

Barkov even draped himself in that flag during the team’s championship parade a week later.

At the same gala, Barkov was named his country’s top hockey player — and him raising the Cup in Sunrise was named the top moment of the year.

Although he could not make the Oscars-type celebration in his homeland because, well, he has games to play in his adopted home in South Florida, Barkov knows those moments mean as much to his fans in Finland as they do to him.

“It’s amazing, that will never leave my memory,’’ Barkov said of hoisting that Cup.

“It’s one of the best moments of my life, for sure, and I am so grateful I was able to do it here in Florida. To be the first Finnish captain is a huge honor for me.’’

Although Barkov could not attend Thursday’s ceremony in person, he sent an acceptance video played after his junior coach, Timo Mäkinen, stood in his place. 

Barkov taped the video with his fellow Finnish teammates from Florida — Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, Niko Mikkola, and assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu — on Wednesday.

Over the summer, Barkov brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Tampere for a citywide celebration. 

Like in the video, Barkov had his Finnish teammates at the Stanley Cup celebration at Nokia Arena in Tampere. 

“2024 was a great year for us, and for me, personally,” Barkov said. “That year will go down as one of the best ones in my life, for sure.

“Just happy about all the accomplishments and honors I have received in Finland and here. Very thankful for that.”

Jari Kurri, who was enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, was the closest hockey player to win the award. 

He placed second in the 1990 voting. 

Of all the great Finnish hockey players over the years, Barkov now stands alone.

In many regards.

“I am surprised because Finland has had so many great hockey players,” Barkov said.

“But there have been many great athletes from other sports as well. I am very happy.”

ON DECK: GAME No. 47
ANAHEIM DUCKS @ FLORIDA PANTHERS

Get FHN+ today!