The Russian ice hockey player Alexander Ovechkin, one of the greatest players in the history of the NHL, is also close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In today’s world, that is a delicate position that has earned him a barrage of criticism following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As multiple voices continue to advocate that sport and politics definitely are not good friends, Ovechkin, one of the most successful international hockey players in the world, continues to give a lot of joy to the smart bettors who open a betting account through the best agent. Nevertheless, who is this hockey celebrity and does he really deserves to be labeled a coward? Let’s find out!
Who is Ovechkin?
Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow on September 17, 1985, to Soviet athlete parents. He started playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16 and played there for four seasons. Ovechkin quickly proved himself and became highly sought after, to the point he was selected by the Capitals in 2004. During his season with the Capitals between 2005 and 2006, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the Rookie of the Year and finished third overall in the league with 54 goals scored. That was the start of his awards.
Awards... more awards
Ovi won the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player In 2008, 2009, and 2013. He also won the Lester B. Pearson Award / Ted Lindsay Award for the best player for 3 consecutive years (2008, 2009, and 2010), and as an outstanding goal scorer, his 65 goals and 112 points during his third season earned him the Art Ross Trophy for most points scored and after that he has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top scorer, nine times.
During his outstanding career, Ovechkin has been named to the NHL All-Star first team eight times, and the All-Star second team four more times. The Great Eight is currently third all-time in career goals, having scored 50 goals nine times in a season, which ties Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. Yet Ovechkin didn’t stop there! He was also named one of the 100 greatest NHL players of all time and in 2018, he won the Stanley Cup and received the Conn Smythe Trophy for the season’s playoff Most Valuable Player.
A Talent in the Service of his Nation!
Ovechkin’s outstanding skills have also helped Russia shine on the international stage, as he has represented his country in several tournaments. In 2002 Ovechkin participated in the World Championship under 18 years and the following year he helped Russia win the gold medal. He participated in two more years in the World Junior Championship, and in 2004 he was in the senior team at the World Championship and the World Cup.
Overall, Ovi has won thirteen World Championships and three Olympic Games for Russia during his career, with three World Championship victories. Those feet have granted him a place in the nation’s heart as one of its most accomplished athletes in the new millennium, which in turn has allowed him to get close to other Russian sportspeople, celebrities, and even politicians.
Close to the wrong person?
This Russian prodigy has always had good relations with his country and particularly its president Vladimir Putin, whom he supported during the last presidential elections. In the current context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, the NHL star is heavily criticized by the media in North America.
When asked if he continues to support Putin in this context, Ovechkin answered that he is a sportsman and not a politician. According to his declarations, he is Russian but the war does not depend on him; he just hopes that the war will end soon. This answer from the Russian champion was not well received by the North American media, who think that he would have used his importance as one of the most famous Russian athletes in the world to make a difference by speaking out.
Many called him a coward and even the Czech Dominik Hasek, called him a “chicken” on Twitter, accusing him of cowardice for not condemning Putin’s actions in Ukraine. Nevertheless, even though several Russian sportsmen have clearly stated their opposition to the war, Alexander Ovechkin has remained in his position and even as the war has been going on for over a year now, he so far has not changed his profile picture on his Instagram account on which he proudly poses next to the Russian leader.
Unlike most international sporting bodies, the NHL does not ban Russian hockey players from playing. This is certainly the reason why Ovechkin’s awkward position did not penalize him on a sporting level. Furthermore, Alexander Ovechkin, already 37 years old, continues to amaze the world and is the oldest player to score 50 goals in one season, which means that there is still much more advantage to take from the champion through the best Asian and European bookmakers.