“I’ve known these people for a long time and what they do here,” Barkov said with a smile. “I really appreciate that. It’s nice meeting them. Obviously every time I meet some new kids here, it brings a smile to my face and everyone’s faces. I’m just happy to come here and see that.”
In addition to his check presentation, Barkov also snapped pics and played games with patients.
Putting his skills to work, he also played more than a few games of air hockey.
“Meeting people who work here, they’re all heroes,” said Barkov, who visits the hospital a few times a year. “They save lives and make kids happier. I’m really happy to help people here.”
As much as Barkov loves visiting the patients, they also love to visit him.
In addition to his annual donation, the big-hearted Finn also buys and donates a suite at Amerant Bank Arena each season to the hospital so that children, families, doctors, nurses and caretakers can enjoy hockey.
“It means a lot,” Barkov said of his personal cheering section, known at the rink as Barky’s Buddies. “It’s always pretty full. There’s always kids from here and families that cheer for us and help us to win games and help us to have success. That’s amazing. That’s the best part of it.”
Whether he’s on the ice or in the community, Barkov is all about giving back.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “We play for the fans and we play for the kids.”
