Cheryl Burke has a new man in her life.
The Dancing With the Stars pro, 28, was recently spotted getting cozy with NHL player Joffrey Lupul — and multiple sources tell Us Weekly exclusively that the two are an item.
Burke and Lupul met at the 2012 NHL Awards in Las Vegas last month — she was a presenter, and he was a finalist for an award. On Lupul's big night, the pair hit it off immediately — and decided to exchange contact info, one source explains.
After doing some Twitter flirting, they arranged to meet up for a sexy dinner date at L.A.'s Mercato di Vetro July 12, where they were spotted holding hands across the table, an eyewitness reveals. Lupul even gave Burke a kiss when she stood up to head to the restroom.
The Canadian-born Lupul, also 28, plays right/left wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs; he has also played for the Anaheim Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Lupul isn't Burke's first romance with an athlete; though they never confirmed their relationship, the choreographer reportedly enjoyed a fling with her DWTS Season 10 partner, Chad Ochocinco. (The Dolphins player only added to the rumors by gifting Burke with a lavish diamond ring during the competition).
"I told Cheryl as long as she doesn't leave my life, I'll be fine," Ochocinco confessed during his elimination. "That's the only thing."