Latest news with #TheGR8Chase
Forbes
13-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Alex Ovechkin Aims To Add To Business Portfolio After Breaking NHL Goal-Scoring Record
Alex Ovechkin's chase to become hockey's all-time greatest goal-scorer may have ended last Sunday with career tally No. 895, but the effects for the Russian superstar's marketing and business portfolio will likely continue for the foreseeable future. 'The reality of it, the enormity of the historic moment, will probably take some time to sink in for everybody, not only myself, but him and his family, the Leonsis family, the Capitals organization and the league as a whole,' said David Abrutyn, who has served as Ovechkin's marketing agent for 17 seasons. 'The excitement and energy that you've seen around this chase as it neared its conclusion was reflective of the magnitude of the moment.' The financial impact of 'The GR8 Chase' — an official moniker developed and trademarked by Ovechkin and Abrutyn around the quest to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal mark of 894 — is worth several millions of dollars in additional revenue for the Capitals. That's according to an estimate provided by Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, to Sports Business Journal in March (Abrutyn declined to discuss with me the financial implications of The GR8 Chase for Ovechkin). In Oct. 2024, Forbes estimated that Ovechkin earned $5 million in off-ice monies, already making him one of the league's highest-paid players away from the ice rink. 'We're excited about the universe of opportunities that will be presented to him in all forms of marketing and partnerships, business ventures, licensing opportunities, and we'll evaluate those on a case-by-case basis,' Abrutyn said. 'To break a Wayne Gretzky record is even more meaningful because I don't think there's a sports fan in the world who doesn't know who Wayne Gretzky is. I think that is now true of Alex Ovechkin — that there aren't too many sports fans in the world who don't know he's now the all-time NHL leading goal-scorer.' Abrutyn, who is the global chief business officer for Creative Artists Agency Hockey, couldn't share specifics with me on potential new deals for Ovechkin or other prospective business opportunities. Still, the long-time sports business executive pointed to some of Ovechkin's current licensing and marketing partners who have already taken advantage of the milestone. Nike immediately recognized the 39-year-old Russian superstar on social media, while Upper Deck released a collection of GR8 Moments trading cards on its online platform. Fanatics unveiled special event merchandise and commemorative products to celebrate the milestone. Last Sunday, Ovechkin set the record for the most merchandise sales revenue by an NHLer in a single day across Fanatics' e-commerce network. A week ago, the Capitals also had a special Ovechkin-centric shop at Capital One Arena tied to The GR8 Chase. ESPN released a creative video on social media, produced by independent agency Arts & Letters Creative Co., after Ovechkin set the goal-scoring record. Meanwhile, Ovechkin's current portfolio includes the likes of the aforementioned Nike, Upper Deck and Fanatics, along with Papa John's and Venture Global, both of which are local to Washington, D.C., according to Abrutyn. There's also several licensing partners of The GR8 Chase, he said. Ovechkin's newly-announced partnership with the Capitals, V Foundation for Cancer Research and Hockey Fights Cancer, which raises awareness and money for pediatric cancer research, will continue throughout the rest of his NHL career. Most recently, the Capitals — together with startup collectibles company cllct — launched Capitals Authentics. The debut artifacts included the two nets from Ovechkin's record-tying and recording-setting goals. 'Alex has always been methodical with his approach to his business partners, and the same thing is going to be true here,' Abrutyn said. 'The aperture widens. Even though there was anticipation for it, there's a difference from could be, might be, to he now is. … What you need to do is methodically think about other global, iconic athletes who have had a lifetime and beyond of business ventures born out of being the all-time greatest in your sport. Alex is now in that position.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for NHL's all-time scoring record
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates after scoring his 894th career goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2025. Ovechkin's goal ties him with Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record. Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for NHL's all-time scoring record originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston The Great One has company. Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in NHL history, netting his 894th career goal in the third period of the Washington Capitals' home game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night. Advertisement The record-tying goal, which was Ovi's second of the game, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation. They went on to win 5-3 after Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net for the first goal of his career. Capitals players stayed on the ice after the game to celebrate with their star as fans chanted, 'Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!' Ovechkin's pursuit of the career goals record — which continues Sunday when the Capitals play on the road against the New York Islanders — has been dubbed 'The GR8 Chase.' Ovechkin reached 894 goals in his 1,486th game. Gretzky finished with 894 in 1,487 games. Gretzky was in the building with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic moment by the 39-year-old Ovechkin. Advertisement Gretzky had held the scoring record since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd goal to pass Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who played primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and final goal came on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later at the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL career. His scoring record had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 goals before retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 goals before closing his 19-year career in 2006. Then came Ovechkin, who after being selected first overall in the 2004 draft, scored 52 goals as a rookie, including two in his debut on October 5, 2005. That was nearly 20 years and 892 goals ago. Advertisement Ovechkin scored a career best 65 goals during his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded nine 50-plus goal seasons, matching the record shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or more goals in a season 14 times, which topped Gretzky's record of 12. Along the way, Ovechkin won nine Rocket Richard Trophies for most goals scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most valuable player, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the first in Capitals' franchise history. Ovechkin entered his 20th NHL season in October needing 42 goals to top a record once believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the record pursuit closer to the end of the season. Ovechkin scored No. 893 less than four minutes into Friday's game, setting the stage for the record-tying goal in front of the Washington fans. Advertisement He now shares the league's hallowed scoring record with the sport's most revered player. 'Alex has been exceptional for our game,' Gretzky told CNBC earlier this season. 'I hope I'm the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.'
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alexander Ovechkin Goes for Wayne Gretzky's NHL Scoring Record Tonight: Here's Where to Stream the Capitals Game Online
Variety and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Hockey star Alexander Ovechkin is just three goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record after the Washington Capitals star scored his 892nd career goal in the Caps' 5-1 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night. Advertisement More from Variety Now, Ovechkin has a chance to tie or break The Great One's record as the Capitals face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena in D.C. tonight. Though the NHL game isn't being broadcast on network television, it's nevertheless expected to draw big ratings for streamer ESPN+, which has rights to the Capitals vs. Blackhawks livestream. STREAM CAPITALS VS. BLACKHAWKS ON ESPN+ The game airs tonight at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and you can access a livestream by signing into your ESPN+ account. Not a subscriber? Sign-up for a month of access for just $11.99 and get a live feed of the Capitals vs. Blackhawks game in addition to dozens of other NHL games through the next 30 days. Your ESPN+ subscription also includes free UFC fights, live soccer and other sports from around the world. Advertisement $11.99 GET: ESPN+ SUBSCRIPTION You can also bundle up your ESPN+ subscription with Disney+ and Hulu for just $16.99/month. The bundle deal saves you a whopping 47% off versus paying for each streaming service separately. $16.99 $31.97 47% off GET: ESPN+ BUNDLE DEAL Capitals hockey games are also available on Monumental Sports Network, the regional sports channel for the D.C. area. To access a Monumental Sports feed of the Capitals vs. Blackhawks game, try using a VPN like ExpressVPN or a streaming service like DirecTV Stream, which offers Monumental Sports Network in select areas. DirecTV Stream has a five-day free trial that you can use to livestream the Capitals vs. Blackhawks game online free. Advertisement GET: DIRECTV STREAM 5-DAY FREE TRIAL Ovechkin has 39 goals this season — he's scored 40 or more goals a record 13 times — and he's poised to break Gretzky's longstanding record, which has seemingly been out of reach since the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings star retired in 1999. The Capitals have seven more games left this season, including tonight's home game against Chicago, and ticket prices are soaring as fans hope to be in the stands to see Ovechkin score that golden goal. Watch Ovechkin Washington Capitals Chicago Blackhawks NHL Game Online SELLING FAST Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals The GR8 Chase T-Shirt $34.99 Buy Now AT FANATICS Merch brands are capitalizing on the hype too, with Ovechkin jerseys and T-shirts selling quickly online. Fanatics has this limited-edition T-shirt commemorating the NHL star's 'GR8 Chase' towards the scoring record. The unisex tee is available in blue or red and sizes small to 5XL. Watch Ovechkin Washington Capitals Chicago Blackhawks NHL Game Online OFFICIAL JERSEY Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals Captain Patch Jersey $174.99 Advertisement Buy Now AT FANATICS Fanatics also has this officially-licensed Ovechkin jersey available in sizes XS to 5XL. The jersey comes in a Capitals red colorway and bears the star's captain patch on the front and his number 8 on the back. Watch tonight's Washington vs. Chicago hockey game online with ESPN+. Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Expect Montreal Canadiens To Clinch Final Eastern Wild Card Spot
The Montreal Canadiens should clinch final playoff spot in the East and present a Must-Bet opportunity The Stanley Cup Playoffs are almost here and we are starting to formulate a solid playoff picture. Most spots are already claimed with only the wild card spots left available. We outlined how the Blues were going to lay claim to the final wild card spot in the West and barring any major setbacks, it appear on track to do so. We are looking to make the same bold claim about the East with the Montreal Canadiens being the final playoff team. It is still a very tight race as they are just two points ahead of the Blue Jackets and Rangers after a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over the Panthers on Tuesday, where they tied the game in the last eight seconds. More NHL: Leafs Blow Past Panthers in Atlantic Division Title Race Montreal proceeded to win the game in overtime and completed the season sweep of the defending Stanley Cup Champions. This Habs team is legit as their young talent is finally starting to click with a reliable stay-at-home goaltender in Sam Montembeault. They are red hot with a 10-4-4 record over their last 18 games. Their rebuild looks complete as they are on the precipice of their first playoff berth since their loss in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final and will have more talent coming in the future with youngsters like Ivan Demidov on their way. More NHL: Blues Enter Stanley Cup Playoffs As Dark Horse Contender The race for the final playoff spots is over as far as we know with the Rangers are heading into a gauntlet of a remaining schedule with matchups versus the Panthers, Hurricanes, Wild, Devils and a pair of games versus the Lightning. Things are just as hard for the Blue Jackets, who will have to square off against the likes of the Maple Leafs and Avalanche as well as two matchups versus the Capitals and Senators. More NHL: The GR8 Chase: Predicting When Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's All-Time Goal Record Montreal on the other hand, finishes the season with the second-easiest remaining schedule with matchups against bottom tier teams like the Blackhawks, Bruins, Flyers and Predators. The Habs to secure a playoff spot at +106 is the biggest must-bet of the season and this bet absolutely has to be taken as soon as possible. It's only a matter of time before Montreal claims the spot or continue their hot streak to the point where we no longer see a value.
