Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Alex Ovechkin for achieving a remarkable milestone as the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer. Following Ovechkin’s 895th career goal, which surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record during the Washington Capitals’ recent match against the New York Islanders, Putin conveyed his congratulations, highlighting the significance of this accomplishment for the Russian community.
In an official statement released by the Kremlin on Monday, Putin commended Ovechkin, stating, “I congratulate you on your exceptional record. You have exceeded the achievements of renowned players in the National Hockey League regular-season goal-scoring department.” He emphasized that breaking Gretzky’s record was not only a personal triumph for Ovechkin but also a source of joy for fans in Russia and worldwide. Putin extended his best wishes for Ovechkin’s health, success, and determination to reach new milestones in both life and sports.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had not yet spoken directly to Ovechkin but emphasized that the president highly values Ovechkin’s sporting achievements. Ovechkin, a known supporter of Putin who established a social media group called Putin Team in 2017 to express his backing for the Russian president, has faced criticism for his association with the autocratic leader amid global concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Addressing the controversy, Ovechkin clarified in previous interviews that his support for Putin was based on patriotism rather than politics. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryev echoed this sentiment in his congratulatory message following Ovechkin’s record-breaking feat, emphasizing Ovechkin’s dual role as a prominent member of the “Putin team” and a respected figure in international hockey.
Gretzky, the previous record-holder, also expressed his congratulations to Ovechkin following the historic achievement. Ovechkin’s remarkable goal-scoring milestone has not only solidified his status as a top player in the NHL but also highlighted his enduring impact on the world of hockey.
Through his exceptional performance and dedication to the sport, Ovechkin continues to captivate fans globally and remains a significant figure in the realm of professional hockey.
