From BuffaloNews.com
Full story and photos at https://buffalonews.com/2019/02/13/buffalo-sabres-linus-ullmark-rochester-americans-modo-nhl-ahl-news/

Linus Ullmark: Meet the man behind the Minions mask, quirks and all

By Lance Lysowski
Published February 13, 2019
Updated February 13, 2019

A young boy pressed the paper sign against the glass adjacent to the Buffalo Sabres’ bench inside KeyBank Center to catch Linus Ullmark’s attention as the 25-year-old goalie skated off the ice at the end of a pregame warm-up.

On the sign, underneath a header that read “Life goals,” the boy listed two items: the Sabres’ winning a Stanley Cup and receiving a stick from Ullmark. The affable, eccentric fan favorite skated over and gently flung his Bauer paddle over the pane of glass.

“He’s a really good kid,” said Carter Hutton, 33, of his fellow goaltender. “Really sincere.”

The child beamed as he hoisted the treasure as if he had won the Stanley Cup. Ullmark’s gesture was seen by the thousands waiting for the puck drop of a game against Chicago. Ullmark, however, does not seek recognition for such kindness, nor did the act surprise his teammates.

On the ice, Ullmark can be perceived by opponents as ultra-serious – he was not afraid to tell Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn to be quiet during a 1-0 loss Jan. 30 – but he is beloved by teammates for his quirks, quips and genuine kindness.

Ullmark, the Sabres’ starter in eight of the past 12 games, is active in two charitable causes: Ullmark’s Barks, which, in conjunction with the SPCA in Erie County, has helped six dogs find owners in two months, and AjaBajaCancer, a foundation in Sweden that helps families affected by childhood cancer.

“I would say I’m quirky, unique,” Ullmark said, unabashedly, in KeyBank Center following practice last week. “I would rather be unique than normal. That’s how I see it. I don’t have any issues with me being me and people seeing me as quirky or fun or whatever they say. I try to be me every day, every week. Try to enjoy life as much as possible.”

Full story and photos at https://buffalonews.com/2019/02/13/buffalo-sabres-linus-ullmark-rochester-americans-modo-nhl-ahl-news/

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SEE LINUS’ “ULLMARK’S BARKS” DRAFT PICKS AND THE NEW TEAMS THEY’VE JOINED RIGHT HERE >>

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