Svechnikov Donates Masks, Hand Sanitizer to Boys & Girls Clubs

Andrei Svechnikov and his brother, Evgeny, came from humble beginnings in Russia.

They didn't have much, and their parents worked various jobs in various cities, sometimes odd jobs at odd hours just so their boys could realize their hockey-playing dreams.

Now a budding star in the National Hockey League, Andrei wanted to give back.

"I started thinking about what it was like growing up as a kid with my brother. It was a pretty tough time for us," he said. "It's been a very difficult time [now], so I just want to help the people."

The Svechnikov brothers, who have been in Raleigh during the pause, talked it over and, with input from Andrei's agent and the Carolina Hurricanes, put a donation plan in place.

On Wednesday, Svechnikov delivered 2,500 disposable masks and 25 5.25-gallon containers of hand sanitizer to the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County.

The supplies will aid in ongoing Boys & Girls Club programs, including the food pantry at their Teen Center, food donations of more than 2,400 meals per week and staff supply delivery. The hand sanitizer - which is from Burl & Sprig distillery in Muskegon, Michigan, where Svechnikov played in the USHL - and masks will also help to ensure the Clubs can safely reopen to local kids and teens in the coming weeks.

"I think it's a great idea," Svechnikov said. "I'm very happy to help."