PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
August 2, 2025  (11:08)

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.

Photo credit: Sportsnet

More than other sports, hockey is about tradition, and while the league has been against changes, Alex Ovechkin doesn’t mind the latest move from the NHL.

Dating back over 100 years, the Stanley Cup defines the tradition that the NHL try to bring to their fans on and off the ice, and for so long, the ‘boys club’ that has existed within the league have been very resistant to change.

That has slowly changed in recent years with people like Lou Lamoriello potentially on the way out, with the league allowing things like sponsors on their jersey’s, and now, they’ve made an even bigger change, abolishing the dress code that players once had to abide by on the way to the arena on game day.

Dress style is something that Ovechkin has been getting ridiculed over by some in the NHL for years now, but being himself, the long-time Capitals captain has remained true to himself and his style, and now, he gets the opportunity to be himself and show his dress sense as he heads into the arena for game day.

Unsurprisingly, the 40-year old is unmoved by the new rule change, as he notes that he’s comfortable whether he’s wearing jeans, a suit or whatever else he wants to wear heading into the arena.

“It makes no difference to me whether I wear jeans or a suit. I always feel comfortable.”

Despite many fans liking the change, it was a controversial one for many within hockey, as the older people in the league see the tradition as something that shouldn’t be changed, but this was likely the best move as more and more young names come into the league that want to show off their style and individuality.

Ultimately, this was a long time coming, and whether Ovechkin or some in the NHL front office or on individual teams don’t like it, it brings the NHL into the modern day, with other controversial rule changes potentially set to follow.

Previously on HouseOfHockey

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