Artemi Panarin's Dog Is The World's Cutest Forechecker

Practicing stickhandling can be a dull, repetitive exercise for any hockey player. But Columbus Blue Jackets winger Artemi Panarin, who’s already extremely good with the puck, has found a way to make it the highlight of anyone’s day.

Yesterday, with the Blue Jackets enjoying the beginning of a nice three-day layoff, Panarin blessed us with another video of keepaway starring his tenacious, defensively talented dog, whom he loves very much.

For my money, the little furball has gained some speed in the seven dog years since last November, when we first saw the pup’s defensive skills.

Clearly, this is the most effective way to train.