I am Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov, born and raised in Finland with Russian roots. Ice hockey is my passion and profession. At the moment, I am playing my 5th season with the Florida Panthers. Here in Florida, most people call me Barky. I am not sure how this name came about, but I kind of like it. I also like to drive fast cars and play video games. When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a professional gamer, but fortunately my parents insisted on me becoming a hockey player instead.

So far, my most memorable NHL season with the Panthers was the 2015-2016 season, when we made it to the NHL playoffs after a very long wait. I was also very proud to represent Finland at the World Championships in Russia, where we won the silver medal. I have been nominated for the 2016 Lady Byng award and EA Sports NHL 2017 cover. Furthermore, I was recently selected for the 2018 NHL All Stars game that was held in Tampa. Apart from my hobbies and hockey, I am also passionate in doing charity work. I find it important to help the less fortunate.

Scroll down to get to know the man on and beyond the ice hockey rink.