Articulate. Handsome. Kind. Stylish. All are great descriptors for one of Tampa Bay’s most popular athletes, Vinny Lecavalier. Born in a small town outside of Montreal, this 6-foot-4-inch GQ star of the Tampa Bay Lightning has made his roots in the Bay area. Drafted at the tender age of 17, the overall first round draft pick of 1998 by the Lightning was the NHL’s leading scorer last year.

At 27 years old, Lecavalier understands the meaning of giving back to the community. Recently, Lecavalier through his Foundation, VL4, made a $3 million dollar commitment to All Children’s Hospital to build the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. The center will occupy over 26,500 square feet of the new All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and contain 28 individual patient rooms with accommodations for parents to stay with their child. Together with the Foundation’s legacy partners including Kane’s Furniture and Dex Imaging, the donation will be raised through community special events.

The VL4 All Kids program is especially important to Lecavalier, and he donates his time to visit children with cancer. Through his Suite Stanley program, he also brings the children and families to his VIP suite program at Lightning home games. The time spent with the children there and his many personal visits to various agencies and hospitals led him to his generous gift of philanthropy. Fresh off his Foundation’s annual Texas Hold ‘Em Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Metro caught up with Lecavalier post-game to talk about his charitable ways, his fashion sense, and what’s on his iPod.

Metro: Why did you decide to make a gift to All Children’s?

Lecavalier: Spending time with the children has been inspiring. I have been so fortunate in my life and I really wanted to give back –- leave a legacy and mark on the Bay area. We battle on the ice everyday, but when you put it in to perspective that they are battling for their lives everyday, you just want to do anything you can.

M: Your father, Yvon, plays an important role in your life. Tell us about the special nature of your relationship.

L: We’ve always been close. When I was a kid he was always bringing me to the ice rink. He’s never pushed me to do anything — motivating me yes, but never pushing.

M: You and Brad (Richards) have been best friends since you were teenagers. Do you ever get sick of each other?

L: We’ve known each other since we were 14. We’re always roommates on the road. In the summer, we see each other once or twice, he’ll come up to Montreal. We are teammates, so we see each other everyday, but we don’t get sick of each other.

M: You’re a car enthusiast, what is parked in the garage now?

L: A Bentley Continental GT and a Cadillac Escalade.

M: I hear you have a penchant for shopping. Where can we find you at International Plaza?

L: I actually like Nordstrom – a lot of great lines for men, and all the newest trends. They have great jeans.

M: What do you look for in your perfect woman and describe your perfect date.

L: I like athletic, someone that’s always up for adventure and travel. Physical aspects are important, but she has to be intelligent, smart, and positive. I really like when women smile. The perfect date would be on the water or beach, with a sunset of course. I like wine, I’m French. I really enjoy the wine, but nothing too complicated.

M: I know you rock the iPod. What’s on it right now?

L: My favorite band is U2. I also like Metallica.