Forward “Washington” Alexander Ovechkin most often appears in the press as a first-class striker, periodically updating NHL records. However, the hockey player won the love of fans not only with his professional success, but also with a warm attitude towards the fans.

In the match with Arizona, Ovi could not distinguish himself, but he did an act that surprised the audience and brought the Americans to tears.

“Ovie, I have epilepsy”

Attending NHL games for many fans is a cherished dream, often unrealizable. And the point here is not only financial opportunities – some fans are prevented from getting into the stands by health restrictions. However, the development of technology allows an increasing number of such people not only to observe idols with their own eyes, but also to fulfill their cherished dreams.

The regular season game between Arizona and Washington was held at the Coyotes’ home arena, but even in Phoenix, the legendary Capitals’ G8 have enough fans. For one of them, going to hockey became a real test, but a sick child courageously overcame all difficulties, just to see Ovechkin’s game with his own eyes and ask him for a photo.

– Ovi, I have epilepsy, and I also want to be the Great Eight. Can I take a photo with you? — wrote a young fan on the poster.

The appeal of the young fan did not go unnoticed. During the warm-up, Ovi drove up to the podium, smiled at the boy and threw his club through the protective glass. After making sure that the gift fell into the right hands, Alexander continued to warm up with a smile on his face. The act of the Russian striker surprised and delighted the fans, both in the arena in Phoenix and at screens around the world. Ovi did not exactly what the boy asked, but still touched and brought the Americans to tears.

Photo: © REUTERS / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Put the happiness of the fans on stream

Fan love for Ovechkin is not accidental. The captain of the capital squad, whenever possible, always tries to please his personal fans and not only them.

Alexander regularly gives gifts to young fans who attend the matches of their favorite hockey player for the first time. Pucks are often sent through the protective glass, which lead children and teenagers into a frenzy of delight. The player doesn’t really pay attention to what sweaters they wore to the stands.

Ovechkin’s move was a real fit of happiness for his Quebec fan Honly, who flew to Montreal after traveling 3,000 kilometers for a photo with her idol. The cheerleader also took home the stick of one of the greatest shooters of all time.

Photo: © REUTERS / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In 2018, a wheelchair-bound teenage Capitals fan was given the opportunity to “beat the cam” to the entire team in the understand area. Alexander was the only one who stopped and exchanged a few phrases with the boy. Then he handed over his stick with ease.

One of the most touching events involving Ovechkin happened in January 2022. Riley, a girl who had been battling cancer for two and a half years, attended Washington’s away match against St. Louis. She also prepared a poster asking for a photo. The player could not pass by this request, he gladly fulfilled her wish.

Such actions of Alexander the Great show what a big heart our player has and make him respect not only from a professional, but also from a purely human side.