Hockey fans aren’t the only ones who like collecting sticks. Players do too.

From Alex Ovechkin begging Wayne Gretzy to Karl Alzner obsessively asking opponents, NHL players can sometimes go to extremes to get the twigs that they’re after.

For instance, check out what Matthew Tkachuk did to steal a stick from Brent Burns way back in January.

Video

As Tkachuk gets tangled up with Burns in the offensive zone, the Sharks defenseman’s stick magically gets stuck in Flames forward’s torso. Unaware, Tkachuk skates the stick back to the bench where he goes off for a shift change.

Tkachuk was given a two-minute interference penalty on the play because that is apparently not a thing you can do in hockey.

Thursday, Sportsnet’s Steve Dangle named the highlight one of the top 100 moments of the 2016-17 season.

After Sportsnet promoted the video on Twitter, Burns and Tkachuk responded and reminisced about that day.

At No. 61 on the Top 100 NHL Plays of 2016-17, Tkachuk steals @Burnzie88's stick… and just doesn't give it back. https://t.co/QOMp2zzpcH pic.twitter.com/CNi9HOZVBL

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 10, 2017

All he had do was ask!! Ha we did exchange sticks afterwards!

— Brent Burns (@Burnzie88) August 10, 2017

Tkachuk was quick to back up Burns’ claim, posting a photo of a personalized note inscribed on the blade of the stick.

He isn't joking… #proof pic.twitter.com/SuCdaqZiZE

— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) August 10, 2017

“To Matt,” Burns wrote. “Didn’t even have to steal this one! Good luck and stop blocking my shots!”

I am sure Tkachuk won’t make any promises for the latter, but he did get his stick.