As the Coyotes wrapped up their optional skate on Saturday at the Ice Den in Scottsdale ahead of their game with the Jets, kids were trying anything to sneak a look at star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Several young fans had even found their way to a back door behind the dumpsters and near the rear rink where the Coyotes practice on busy weekend days. Those who stuck it out got the chance to meet the defenseman when he stepped outside to snap a promotional picture for his social media account.
The star treatment is relatively new for the 26-year-old Sweden native, who is now the longest tenured Coyotes player with the retirement of Shane Doan in the offseason.