Latest news with #Ovechkin
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
NHL legend Ovechkin calls for Russia's return to world sports
MOSCOW: NHL all-time record goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. The Washington Capitals ace received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous all-time record held by Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. 'I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country,' the ice hockey superstar told AFP. Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked a Moscow high-end street which had been decked out with 'Ovechkin 8' hockey jerseys and signs reading 'eternal record'. Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. 'That would be epic' Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a football pitch during warm months. 'Ovi, Ovi,' the fans chanted Ovechkin's American nickname. This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left wing striker took the first steps of his illustrious career. The rink stands out from the grey high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading 'eternal record 895' freshly painted on its surface. Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, told AFP: 'Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders.' 'That would be epic, we must do that!' insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. 'People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues,' the 40-year-old added. Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. 'I felt proud of what we achieved, of breaking the record,' Ovechkin, who is famously missing a front tooth, told AFP of breaking Gretzky's 26-year mark. — AFP
Edmonton Journal
3 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
NHL all-time record scorer Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
Article content MOSCOW — NHL all-time record goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. Article content The Washington Capitals ace received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous all-time record held by Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Article content Article content 'I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country,' the hockey superstar told AFP. Article content Article content Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked a Moscow high-end street which had been decked out with 'Ovechkin 8' hockey jerseys and signs reading 'eternal record'. Article content Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. Article content Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a football pitch during warm months. Article content 'Ovi, Ovi,' the fans chanted Ovechkin's American nickname. Article content This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left wing striker took the first steps of his illustrious career. Article content Article content The rink stands out from the grey high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading 'eternal record 895' freshly painted on its surface. Article content Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, told AFP: 'Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders.' Article content 'That would be epic, we must do that!' insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. Article content 'People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues,' the 40-year-old added. Article content Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. Article content In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin.
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
NHL all-time record scorer Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
The Washington Capitals ace received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous all-time record held by Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. "I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country," the ice hockey superstar told AFP. Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked a Moscow high-end street which had been decked out with "Ovechkin 8" hockey jerseys and signs reading "eternal record". Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. 'That would be epic' Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a football pitch during warm months. "Ovi, Ovi," the fans chanted Ovechkin's American nickname. This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left wing striker took the first steps of his illustrious career. The rink stands out from the grey high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading "eternal record 895" freshly painted on its surface. Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, told AFP: "Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders." "That would be epic, we must do that!" insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. "People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues," the 40-year-old added. Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it -- despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. "I felt proud of what we achieved, of breaking the record," Ovechkin, who is famously missing a front tooth, told AFP of breaking Gretzky's 26-year mark.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'I'm not Michael Jordan': Alex Ovechkin shuts down comparisons with humble message
Alex Ovechkin may be the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history—but don't expect him to embrace comparisons to global icon . When asked in a recent Match TV interview whether he's reached Jordan-level fame in cities like Washington, D.C. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now or Moscow, the Washington Capitals star didn't hesitate to shut it down. With his trademark humility and a surprising nod to his mother—herself a two-time Olympic basketball champion—Ovechkin made it clear: he may be legendary on the ice, but he's not chasing Jordan's shadow. 'Why elevate yourself?': Alex Ovechkin deflects Michael Jordan comparisons and honors the GOAT who raised him In the Match TV interview, conducted in Moscow, was asked whether he feels as recognized in public spaces as Jordan once was in Chicago or Washington. The NHL's all-time goal-scoring leader gave an emphatic response: 'Of course, there is no such thing,' he said. 'If you compare me with Michael Jordan, then it's like night and day.' Ovechkin didn't stop there. Instead of leaning into the compliment, he redirected it to two people he holds in the highest regard: Jordan, whom he's long admired, and his mother, Tatyana Ovechkina—a Soviet basketball legend. 'Jordan is the greatest,' he added. 'The same as my mother in basketball, a two-time Olympic champion, multiple European champion.' When pressed again—when the interviewer asked if he might be at least closing the gap—who Ovechkin might rival in stature—he doubled down: 'No,' he replied. 'Why elevate yourself? You have to stay grounded.' This isn't the first time Ovechkin has spoken about Jordan. In 2020, during an interview with Men's Journal, he named the six-time NBA champion as the one athlete he'd most like to meet. He also praised Netflix's The Last Dance, the docuseries chronicling Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls, as a must-watch. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In April 2024, where Ovechkin made NHL history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record, Jordan himself congratulated him via video: 'Hi, Alex, congratulations. Quite a record to break,' Jordan said. Ovechkin has even turned that admiration into a running joke. He often wears a red Capitals hoodie that reads 'Well I'm not Michael Jordan' across the back—a quote from a pregame soccer session that became so iconic teammate Devante Smith-Pelly had it printed on the hoodie and gifted it to him. Despite not having the towering trophy cabinet Jordan does—with six NBA titles, five MVPs, and two Olympic golds—Ovechkin's NHL résumé is elite. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer owns nine Rocket Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies, a Stanley Cup championship, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. And unlike Jordan, who retired after his age-39 season with 1,072 NBA games, Ovechkin is still active at 40—and just nine games shy of becoming the 23rd NHL player ever to hit 1,500 games. Alex Ovechkin's greatness doesn't need Michael Jordan comparisons to be legendary Whether he's skating through Moscow or leading the Capitals in Washington, Alex Ovechkin is a once-in-a-generation athlete. But if you ask him, there's no need to chase comparisons to basketball royalty. In his eyes, Michael Jordan is untouchable—and so is the legacy of his own mother. And while fans and analysts may one day crown him the Jordan of the NHL, Ovechkin's only goal now is simple: keep scoring, stay grounded, and let the greatness speak for itself. Also Read:
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NHL releases the 2025-26 schedule, the last 82-game season before new CBA increases it to 84
NEW YORK — The NHL released the full 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday, the final 82-game season before the new collective bargaining agreement kicks in and increases it to 84. The league's 32 teams will combine to play 1,312 games between Oct. 7 and April 16 with the playoffs to run from the following weekend through much of June. Beginning in 2026-27, there will be 1,344 games — the most in NHL history. Alex Ovechkin begins his 21st season on Oct. 8 when he and the Washington Capitals host Boston. Ovechkin is at 897 career goals after breaking Wayne Gretzky's record and can add to his total at age 40. It's even plausible Ovechkin gets No. 900 in the same arena on Long Island in which he scored his 895th to pass Gretzky. The Capitals visit the New York Islanders in their second game on Oct. 11, before playing the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 12. After raising their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner on opening night Oct. 7 against Chicago, the back-to-back defending champion Florida Panthers continue their threepeat bid two days later when they host Philadelphia. Utah plays its first game as the Mammoth on Oct. 9 at Colorado. They were known as the Utah Hockey Club during the first year in Salt Lake City after relocating from Arizona. For the first time in more than a decade, the league is pausing in the winter to send players to the Olympics. The Milan break runs from Feb. 6-24, with play resuming Feb. 25. The NHL's last participation in the Games was 2014 in Sochi, though the new CBA provides for players to also go in 2030, pending another deal with the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation.
