I imagine hockey players get as many sticks as they want, like baseball players with gloves and bats. Especially someone like Alexander Ovechkin.

While the dude might be an animal on the ice — and out celebrating — he’s got a soft side like anyone else. I don’t know this kid’s full story, but whatever it is, you know that stick will always bring him joy.

Ovechkin also probably made some fans out of all the tree huggers out there. Because now he won’t snap that thing in frustration on the bench, respecting the life of another tree.

Hockey player, scholar, plant lover, and, most importantly, humanitarian; all words I would use to describe Alexander Ovechkin.