The Washington Capitals gave Alex Ovechkin his due in what might be the last milestone-related pregame ceremony of his historic playing career.
In front of a blue and red GR8 sign, Ovechkin was joined on the ice by Capitals executives Brian MacLellan and Chris Patrick, along with his family: wife, Nastya; children, Sergei and Ilya; and his mother, Tatyana.
Monumental Sports Network’s Joe Beninati emceed the event.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to be here with you tonight,” Beninati began. “We gather to celebrate a player who continues to define a franchise, inspire a city, and leave an unforgettable mark on the National Hockey League — both on the legacy that he’s built and the history that he is still writing. On November 25th, Alex Ovechkin became the eighth player in NHL history to appear in 1500 games with a single franchise. Just weeks later, on November 5th, he scored goal number 900, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach that mark.”
After the notable participants were introduced to the crowd, including Ovechkin himself, alternate captains John Carlson and Tom Wilson skated out to center ice to present a bouquet of flowers to Nastya and Tatyana. The Capitals then aired a tribute video focusing on “The Ovechkin Effect,” showing how Ovechkin’s greatness on the ice has inspired thousands of people around the area to learn or play hockey. “Hockey just took off once he got here,” one voice in the video says.
According to USA Hockey and per a Capitals press release, “the total number of USA Hockey-registered players (youth and adult) in the Washington D.C. area climbed more than 186 percent from 2005-06 through 2024-25. The total number of USA Hockey-registered girls hockey players within the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association more than doubled from the 2005-06 season through the 2024-25 season.”
The video concluded with a shoutout from Ovechkin’s two sons, Sergei and Ilya, which elicited the biggest smile from The Great 8.
“Congratulations daddy on your records,” Sergei says.
“Good job, Ovi” adds Ilya.
Together they said, “We love you.”
As the crowd applauded, Beninati began to introduce eight local hockey players – children and adults whose own hockey journeys were shaped or inspired by Ovechkin – to the crowd, and they skated out to center ice.
Per the Capitals:
Emily A., a 10-year-old NOVA Ice Dogs 12U girls player who has been skating since age three and playing hockey for nearly four years. She began her hockey journey through the Capitals’ ALL CAPS ALL HER and Future Caps Learn to Play programs. A self-described Caps fan since birth, Emily said watching Ovechkin is what made her fall in love with the game.
Melly C., a 24-year-old coach and alumnus of the Baltimore Banners. Ovechkin is part of the reason why Melly wears number 8. Caldwell grew up watching and being inspired by Ovechkin highlights.
Lucy H., a 10-year-old Maryland Jr. Black Bears 12U player who has been playing hockey for one year. Lucy wears the number 8 in honor of Ovechkin.
Sam H., a 14-year-old Maryland Jr. Black Bears 14U player who has been playing hockey for nine years and is inspired by Ovechkin’s perseverance. Sam said he proudly wears number 8 in honor of Ovechkin’s impact on his own hockey journey.
Myles J., a 16-year-old Team Maryland 16U player and Capitals Rising Stars Academy participant. Myles draws inspiration from Ovechkin’s determination, particularly the way Ovechkin continued to push forward and ultimately reach major milestones even during stretches when he wasn’t scoring.
Keegan M., a 7-year-old Bowie Hockey Club 8U player. Keegan wears number 8 in honor of his hero on and off-the ice. Keegan said when he wears the jersey, he feels like Ovechkin and loves watching Ovechkin score goals and celebrate.
Nate M., a 23-year-old Hershey Heroes Special Hockey player who started playing hockey at 12-years-old. Nate said Ovechkin is the reason he learned to play hockey and that he loves how Ovechkin scores goals and celebrates with his sons.
Owen P., a 6-year-old Rooftop Hockey 6U player. Ovechkin is Owen’s favorite player because of the work Ovechkin puts into playing, which is what Owen aspires to do. Owen also said he loves Ovechkin because he scores a lot of goals, which Owen loves to do.
The group took a photo together and then left the ice. Ovechkin personally escorted Nate to the Zamboni entrance, which may or may not have moved me to tears.
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
Finally, it was gift time. Ovechkin received a custom bronze trophy celebrating his 900th career goal, created by Logan Sports Group. The trophy links his 800th goal and 700th assist trophies.
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
He also received a custom Tony Harris painting depicting him as both a first-year player and the legend he would become. The names of every teammate Ovechkin has had during his career are written in the background.
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
“My goal in creating this painting was to capture Alex’s journey from rookie to veteran,” Harris said in a statement. “I chose two images of him standing on the blue line before puck drop. On the left is a very young Ovi—excited, nervous, and unaware of where his NHL path would lead. On the right stands the product of twenty-one seasons of grit, injury, sacrifice, and extraordinary skill: the player who earned the title of greatest goal scorer in the history of the National Hockey League.”
The Winnipeg Jets watched the entire ceremony from their bench, and injured star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck even got a shoutout from Joe B, wishing him well in his recovery from knee surgery.
Once the ceremony ended, there was one last important task: Ovechkin had to take a photo with all of his current teammates.
What a night.
Photos
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB