Winnipeg Jets' Patrik Laine talks about his special connection with young fans

Whether it's signing autographs, surprising kids with appearances at youth practices, taking photos with them, tossing pucks during warm ups, or even battling a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors for his hockey stick, it's very clear that Jets' winger Patrik Laine loves the fan oriented aspect of professional hockey.

With the NHL's 19-20 season on hold, dating back to March 12th due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Laine has returned home to Finland. Though he may not be in Winnipeg right now, the 22-year-old was still able to sit down for a chat with Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds.

Through the interview with Sportsnet, Laine was asked specifically about his connection with young hockey fans in Winnipeg.

His response was both kind and sincere;

“I love kids. It's awesome to sign autographs, to do those like where we go surprise kids in their practice. I like that kind of stuff.

There's gonna be days when I'm retired and nobody cares about me anymore and nobody wants pictures, so just try to enjoy it now. I was a kid too and if I was able to get an autograph with a Finnish league player or a picture it was so huge for me. I want to give that feeling to kids.

It doesn't take much for me to sign an autograph or take a picture with them but they're going to remember it forever.”

While his career is still on the rise, currently in just his fourth season of play, it's unlikely that Laine will be stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon, as he's seemingly found a home with the Winnipeg Jets organization.

It's likely that the 2016 second overall draft pick will be signing autographs and tossing pucks to kids for years to come.

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