January 19 2021 – Aleksander Barkov will do more than just ‘light the lamp’ with each NHL goal he scores this season, he’ll also help kids being treated at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH). For the second consecutive season, the Florida Panthers captain will donate $1,600 for each goal he scores to the children’s hospital’s nonprofit foundation and provide a suite for games at the BB&T Center for use by those connected to the pediatric facility. 
Barkov, whose jersey number is 16, contributed $32,000 to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation for the 20 goals he scored in the COVID-19-shortened 2019-20 season. During the NHL’s last full season (2018-19), he set the Panthers single season scoring record with a 96-point campaign that included 35 goals.
“I am happy to continue my support of JDCH for the 2020-21 NHL season,” said Barkov, affectionately called “Sasha” by family and friends. “Seeing the smiling kids, their families, and the hospital staff at each game last season was uplifting and I am looking forward to that again. I’m also hopeful that I’ll soon be able to visit the children’s hospital again once the pandemic is under control."
Barkov has already made several trips to tour the expanding pediatric facility and meet with children, parents, caregivers, and administrators. With each visit, he brings gifts, signs autographs, and poses for photos.
“Sasha has been a great ambassador for ‘Joe D.’ and a credit to the South Florida community,” said Kevin Janser, senior vice president and chief development officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “He has selflessly shared his time and brought joy to those impacted by illness. We’re proud to have him on our team.”
Barkov, the son of Russian parents who grew up in Finland, won the 2018-19 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the NHL player that combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a high standard of playing ability. A Boca Raton resident, Barkov was the second overall pick in the 2013 draft and has played his entire NHL career for the Panthers.
Updates on the alliance between the hockey star and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will be chronicled throughout the season on social media sites (#BarkovScores4JoeD), including Barkov’s Instagram account (@barkovsasha) and the foundation’s Facebook page (@jdchfoundation).
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.
To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
