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[[Category:People from Moscow]]
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Revision as of 14:38, 16 April 2009

Alexander Ovechkin
Born (1985-09-17) September 17, 1985 (age 38)
Moscow, Russian SFSR, USSR
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position Left Wing
Shoots Right
NHL team Washington Capitals
NHL draft 1st overall, 2004
Washington Capitals
Playing career 2001–present
Website http://www.alexovechkin8.com

Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin (IPA: [ˈɐlʲ.ɪkˌsɑndr ɐˈvʲetʃ.kɪn]) (Russian: Алекса́ндр Миха́йлович Ове́чкин; born September 17, 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). In January 2008, he signed a thirteen-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals, the most lucrative contract in NHL history.

Ovechkin was the first overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he began play in the 2005–06 NHL season, in which he won the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year. During the 2007–08 season, he led the NHL with 65 goals and 112 points to capture the Rocket Richard and Art Ross Trophies. That season he also won the Lester B. Pearson Award as the top player voted by the NHL Players' Association and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP. He is the only player in NHL history to win all four awards.

Early life

Alexander Ovechkin is the son of Mikhail Ovechkin, a former professional football (soccer) player, and Tatyana Ovechkina, who won two Olympic gold medals while competing for the Soviet women's basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.[1]

The first sign of Ovechkin's future came when he was two years old – while in a Soviet toy store, he grabbed a toy hockey stick and helmet and refused to let go. His parents treasure the picture to this day.[2] Whenever he saw a hockey game on TV, he "dropped all his toys" and ran to the TV, protesting strongly if his parents tried to change the channel.[citation needed] His parents say they knew he would be an athlete when he chose to run up the steps to their 10th floor apartment instead of taking the elevator.[citation needed] They also encouraged him to be athletic, sending him out to play at nearby soccer fields and basketball courts.[2]

Sergei, Ovechkin’s older brother, had initially introduced him to hockey, and Alexander enrolled in hockey school at the age of 8.[2] Soon after he began, however, he had to postpone his hockey career because his parents were unable to take him to the rink. But one of Ovechkin's coaches saw his talent and insisted to his parents that he should continue playing hockey.[citation needed] Sergei later died in a car accident when Alexander was only 10. A childhood friend claims this is one of the reasons Ovechkin is so passionate on the ice.[2]

Because he studied at the Military Institute for Border Guards he did not have to go through compulsory military service.[citation needed]

Playing career

Dynamo Moscow

Ovechkin began playing in the Dynamo Moscow system and at the age of 16, made his debut for the team in the Russian Superleague in the 2001–02 season. In the 2003–04 season, he won the Superleague award for Best Left Wing and became the youngest Dynamo Moscow player to lead the team in scoring.

In 2004–05, he missed nearly two months of play because of a shoulder injury sustained in the Gold Medal Game against Canada in the World Junior Championships.

Washington Capitals

Ovechkin was the first overall draft choice in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, going to the Washington Capitals. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years,[3] and had earned comparison to Mario Lemieux.[4] He was so highly regarded, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft him in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in the 9th round, even though his birthday was two days after the cut-off (September 15, 1985). Rick Dudley, the general manager of the Panthers, claimed the pick was legitimate, saying that using leap-years Ovechkin was old enough.[4]

Following the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals on October 5, 2005, scoring two goals in a 3-2 victory over Columbus.

On January 13, 2006, in Anaheim, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against Jean-Sébastien Giguère of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to help Washington win the game.

On January 16, 2006, Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal that veteran hockey reporter Bill Clement called "one of the greatest goals of all time."[This quote needs a citation] Knocked down by Paul Mara, a defenceman for the Phoenix Coyotes, then sliding on his back and facing away from the net, Ovechkin was able to hook the puck with one hand on his stick and slide it into the net past goalie Brian Boucher for his second goal of the night.

On February 1, 2006, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors in a single month.

Ovechkin led 2005–06 NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals, and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring and tied for third in goals. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record, and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin’s point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goal total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team, the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years. After the season ended, Ovechkin received the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie. EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes for NHL 07.

On January 24, 2007 Ovechkin played in his first NHL All-Star Game in Dallas, scoring his first All-Star Game goal.

After much speculation, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on January 10, 2008. The contract, which averages $9.5 million per year, is the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated directly with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis and general manager George McPhee.[5]

Ovechkin in 2008

On March 3, 2008, Ovechkin notched his fourth hat trick, against the Boston Bruins. He scored his 50th, 51st, and 52nd goals of the season, the second time he has hit the 50-goal mark in three seasons with the Capitals.

On March 21, 2008, Ovechkin scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season against the Atlanta Thrashers, becoming the first player in the NHL to score 60 goals in a season since Mario Lemieux in 1996.[6] Ovechkin was the 19th player ever to reach the 60 goal plateau.[7] On March 25, Ovechkin scored his 61st goal to hold the Washington Capital's team record for regular season goals previously held by Dennis Maruk.[8] He would break Luc Robitaille's record for most goals by a left winger in one season on April 3, 2008, by scoring two goals, his 64th and 65th of the season.[9]

Following the 2007–08 NHL season, Ovechkin was awarded his third consecutive Kharlamov Trophy, named after Soviet hockey star Valery Kharlamov and presented by Sovetsky Sport newspaper. The Kharlamov Trophy honors the best Russian NHL player as voted by other Russian NHL players.

Ovechkin finished the 2007–08 NHL season as the leader in points (112) and goals (65), winning the Art Ross Trophy and the Rocket Richard Trophy, respectively. That year, he was also awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the top player voted by the NHLPA and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP, becoming the first player in the history of the NHL to win all four awards, as well as all four awards in a single season.

In his first NHL playoff game, Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal with less than five minutes left.[10]

In late October of the 2008–09 NHL season Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his entire career, and snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games.[11]

On February 5, 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal against the Los Angeles Kings becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux.[12]

On March 19, 2009, he scored his 50th goal of the season, becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.[13]

Ovechkin finished the 2008–09 NHL season with 56 goals, winning his second Rocket Richard Trophy in as many years, joining Jarome Iginla and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice, and the second player after Bure (2000–2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

International play

Alexander Ovechkin
Medal record
Representing  Russia
Men's ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2008 Canada Ice hockey
Bronze medal – third place 2005 Austria Ice hockey
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Russia Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 2002 Czech Republic Ice hockey
Gold medal – first place 2003 Canada Ice hockey
Silver medal – second place 2005 United States Ice hockey
World U18 Championships
Silver medal – second place 2002 Slovakia Ice hockey
Bronze medal – third place 2003 Russia Ice hockey

At the age of 16, Ovechkin helped lead the Junior National Team to the Gold medal with two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against USA, and an assist.

At the age of 17, when he was selected by Russian coach Victor Tikhonov to play in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament, Alexander became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian National Team in the history of Russian hockey. In that tournament he also became the youngest player ever to score for the National Team.

At the age of 18, Alexander Ovechkin was named Captain of the Junior Russian National Team. Russia finished 5th in the tournament.

At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the Russian National Team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He was the youngest player in the tournament.

Also at the age of 19, Alexander Ovechkin was named Captain of the Junior National Team in the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The tournament, lasting from December 25, 2004, to January 4, 2005, was Ovechkin's third and last. At the end of the tournament he had collected 7 goals (tied for tournament lead). His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on January 4, and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament as well as selected to the tournament All-Star Team.

In 2005 Ovechkin played in his first IIHF men's World Championships. He scored five goals and three assists, landing eighth in the top scorers list and sharing third place in goal scoring.

In 2006, Ovechkin played in his very first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia came away from the games without a medal, Ovechkin scored 5 goals in the tournament, including the game-winner against Canada's Martin Brodeur, eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only player not on Sweden (Gold) or Finland (Silver) to be named to the all-tournament team.

At the 2006 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games before losing 4-3 to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. For his efforts, Ovechkin was one of six players selected Media All-Star Team.

At the 2008 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin helped led Russia to the gold medal by finishing with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games. He was selected to the Media All-Star Team for the second time in five tournament appearances.

Off the ice

The day after he received the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, he was given the key to the city by Washington mayor Adrian M. Fenty for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since Joe Theismann of the Washington Redskins in 1983.[14]

On June 11, 2008, Ovechkin also launched his own line of designer Streetwear with CCM.[15]

Ovechkin had reportedly been involved in a feud with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the 2006 winter Olympics in Turin, this friendship quickly cooled.[16] There is no definitive information on what had caused the feud, but the most popular theory is that it began in August of 2007, when Ovechkin supposedly punched Malkin’s Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin had denied that version of events, while Malkin had confirmed it, although was not certain whether this was the precipitating event to the feud. The feud manifested itself mostly on Ovechkin’s side, who would attempt to check Malkin any time the two were on the ice. The most notorious event took place on January 21, 2008 in Pittsburgh, when Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Despite these incidents, Ovechkin has repeatedly denied having it out for Malkin.[16] Though the feud had raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,[16][16] and the Russian national team at the upcoming Vancouver Olympics,[16] it apparently dissipated as mysteriously as it had started. On January 24, 2009, at the SuperSkills Competition, Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the Breakaway Challenge.[16] Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin’s throat. Though there is no final word on the nature and status of the feud, considering their past interactions, this incident appears to show that the feud has effectively ended. It has been reported that Atlanta Thrashers captain and Russian teammate Ilya Kovalchuk brokered the peace between the two.[17]

On January 24, 2009, Ovechkin won the Breakaway Competition at the SuperSkills Competition for the 2nd consecutive year in Montreal after emerging in the final few seconds wearing a hat bestowed with a Canadian flag and white sunglasses.[18] On January 25, 2009, Ovechkin scored 1 goal and notched 2 assists, as well as scoring the game-ending shootout goal in the 2009 NHL All-Star Game as the Eastern Conference won 12-11.[19]

He also makes a brief cameo appearance in Vlad Topalov's music video for "Perfect Criminal". He appears at 3:50 minutes into the video, apparently playing a convict.[20]

Late in the 2008–09 NHL season, Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. In the February 28, 2009 segment of Hockey Night in Canada's Coach’s Corner, Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his team-mates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin’s example. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau came to Ovechkin’s defense, stating Cherry "doesn’t know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn’t care" about Cherry.[21] The next notable incident happened on March 19, 2009 in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ovechkin put his stick on the ice, pretending to warm his hands over it because it was "hot". The incident sparked immediate response from Tampa Bay coach Rick Tocchet who said that "[Ovechkin] went down a notch in my books". Boudreau had also stated that he would discuss the incident with Ovechkin, and team-mate Mike Green commented that he did not wish to join in the pre-meditated celebration.[22] Ovechkin himself laughed it off, noting particularly that "Don Cherry was going to be [ticked]." [23]

Career statistics

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2001–02 Dynamo Moscow RSL 21 2 2 4 4 3 0 0 0 0
2002–03 Dynamo Moscow RSL 40 8 7 15 29 5 0 0 0 2
2003–04 Dynamo Moscow RSL 53 13 10 23 4 3 0 0 0 2
2004–05 Dynamo Moscow RSL 37 13 14 27 32 10 2 4 6 31
2005–06 Washington Capitals NHL 81 52 54 106 52 — — — — —
2006–07 Washington Capitals NHL 82 46 46 92 52 — — — — —
2007–08 Washington Capitals NHL 82 65 47 112 40 7 4 5 9 0
2008–09 Washington Capitals NHL 79 56 54 110 73 — — — — —
RSL totals 151 36 33 69 106 18 2 4 6 35
NHL totals 324 219 201 420 216 7 4 5 9 0

International statistics

Year Team Event   GP G A Pts PIM
2002 Russia U18 8 14 4 18 0
2003 Russia WJC 6 6 1 7 4
2003 Russia U18 6 9 4 13 6
2004 Russia WJC 6 5 2 7 25
2004 Russia WC 6 1 1 2 0
2004 Russia WCH 2 1 0 1 0
2005 Russia WJC 6 7 4 11 4
2005 Russia WC 8 5 3 8 4
2006 Russia Oly 8 5 0 5 8
2006 Russia WC 7 6 3 9 6
2007 Russia WC 8 1 2 3 29
2008 Russia WC 9 6 6 12 8
Totals 71 60 24 84 86

All Star Games


Year Location   G A P
2007 Dallas 1 0 1
2008 Atlanta 2 0 2
2009 Montreal 1 2 3
All-Star totals 4 2 6

Awards

NHL

  • NHL All-Rookie Team: 2006
  • NHL First All-Star Team: 2006, 2007, 2008
  • NHL Number 1 Star of the Month: January 2008, March 2008, November 2008
  • NHL Offensive Player of the Month: January 2006
  • NHL Rookie of the Month: December 2005 and January 2006
  • NHL Number 1 Star of the Week: Week Ending - December 30, 2007; March 9, 2008; March 23, 2008; December 28, 2008.
  • NHL Offensive Player of the Week: Week Ending - December 31, 2005; January 23, 2006
  • NHL Player of the Year - Sporting News: 2008
  • NHL All-Star Game Selections: 2007, 2008, 2009
  • Kharlamov Trophy - Best NHL Russian player: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
  • Calder Memorial Trophy - NHL Rookie of the Year: 2006
  • Lester B. Pearson Award (Most Outstanding Player): 2008
  • Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player): 2008
  • Art Ross Trophy: 2008 (112 points)
  • Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: 2008 (65 goals), 2009 (56 goals)

International play

Records

NHL records

Washington Capitals records

  • Most seasons with 50 or more goals - 3 (2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09)
  • Most shots on goal in a season - 528 (2008–09)
  • Most goals in a season (2007–08) - 65 goals
  • Most career penalty shots attempted - 5 shots (most recent on December 7, 2008)
  • Most goals in a season by a rookie (2005–06) - 52 goals
  • Most points in a season by a rookie (2005–06) - 106 points
  • Point streak by a rookie - 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists), March 18 - April 7, 2006
  • Point streak by a rookie to start season - 8 games
  • Goal streak by a rookie - 7 games, February 10 - March 8, 2006

References

  1. ^ Terry Koshan. "The Last Word". Retrieved 2006-09-18.
  2. ^ a b c d Joe Starkey (2004-06-26). [http http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6774-2004Jun25.html "Building Project Starts With One Stick"]. Retrieved 2009-02-12. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help) Cite error: The named reference "Childhood" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ Joyce, Gare (2004). "Ovechkin confident of his arrival". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
  4. ^ a b Kovacevic, Dejan (2003-06-29). "Inside the NHL: Think Fleury pick was special one? Just wait until next year". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Associated Press (2008). "Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  6. ^ Canadian Press (2008). "Ovechkin becomes first NHL player in 12 years to score 60, Caps beat Atlanta 5-3". NHL.com. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  7. ^ Washington Capitals (2008). "Historical 60". WashingtonCapitals.com. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  8. ^ McCreary, Joedy (2008-03-25). "Ovechkin Nets Team-Record 61st for Caps". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  9. ^ Associated Press (2008). "Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
  10. ^ Duthie, James (2008-04-12). "OVECHKIN: NHL fans' PLAN B". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
  11. ^ CBC, Sports (2008-10-27). "Ovechkin heads home to Russia to be with grandfather". CBC Sports. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  12. ^ "Ovechkin scores 200th NHL goal in Capitals' loss to Kings". Associated Press. 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
  13. ^ "CAPITALS' OVECHKIN SCORES 50TH GOAL OF THE SEASON". Canadian Press. 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2009-03-19.
  14. ^ Ovechkin given key to the city in Washington D.C
  15. ^ CNW Group | REEBOK-CCM HOCKEY | Media Alert/Photo Opportunity - NHL Superstar Alexander Ovechkin and CCM Bring Together Sports and Style at Official Launch of New Designer Str...
  16. ^ a b c d e f Joe Starkey (2008-11-30). "Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering". Retrieved 2009-02-03. Cite error: The named reference "Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  17. ^ "Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace". Washington Post. 2009-01-25. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  18. ^ "Charitable Chara wins NHL's hardest-shot competition". CBC Sports. 2009-01-24. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  19. ^ "Kovalev the hero in NHL All-Star Game". CBC Sports. 2009-01-25. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  20. ^ http://capitalskremlin.blogspot.com/2008/10/ovechkins-music-video.html
  21. ^ "'Don't care' about Cherry: Ovechkin". CBC Sports. 2009-03-01. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  22. ^ "OVECHKIN SCORES 50TH GOAL OF THE SEASON IN CAPS' WIN". Canadian Press. 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  23. ^ "Cheers, jeers for Ovechkin celebration". NHL Insider. 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  24. ^ "Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington". CBC. 2008-06-13. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
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