Video interview to Sport-Express at the party in honor Ovechkin

 

"I became a delegate of the Olympics-2014 in Sochi recently. I am proud that I was awarded this title."

"It is necessary to show the world that the Olympics in Sochi will be held on the highest level and that Russia deserved the right to hold Olympic Games."

"I am already thinking about the Vancouver Olympics. And I know people hope for the victory of our team."

"Canadians want to revenge on us for the losses in two consecutive World Championships. But not only they want it. For two years we outplayed everybody and all countries want to beat us."

"Next season will be difficult without Sergei Fedorov that left for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. It is a pity to lose such a great man and a wonderful player."

"But life is life. We wish him luck and success. I wanted to have him in NHL. But he chose a different way – to play with his brother and I think it right."

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Ovechin's video interview to Men's Health, Part II

 Men's Health, Russian Edition

Part II (About Coaches and training)
Some very stupid questions asked, nothing new. Bad news is that Ovie confirmed he won't insert the tooth implant until he'd finish his hockey career.
Was asked about cooking at home, he said he'd always go out to eat at the restaurants, never cooked himself.


If you haven't seen part 1 yet, it's here:

Part I (About everything)
How often he communicates with Mom? Very often. Asked about speeding, same answers as before. He said policemen recognise him often. Dad left his job and devoted his life to Ovie's hockey career when Ovie was 16. Sometimes fans ask to put his autograph on their cars. Did financial crisic affect him? He said he had the contract that guaranteed his salary. About signing such a long contract: because he likes the team, the city, the Caps management and the fans.

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NHL2k's Ovechkin's "The Goal" vs. Coyotes

 H/t to Japer's Rink and Sean Leahy.




The Goal and Hot Stick celebration

gamespot.com, July 30, 3009:

As you puck fans will recognize, the above trailer features a pretty spot-on recreation of Alexander Ovechkin's ridiculous goal scored against the Phoenix Coyotes back in 2006--a once-in-a-decade shot that seems comprised of equal parts amazing skill, blind luck, and the blessings of the Benevolent Hockey Gods. As it turns out, however, you just might be able to recreate Ovy's goal, or at least come up with one close to it, in NHL 2K10.

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Ovechkin, Semin and Deepest Blue

 SOHO ROOMS, July 30, 2009:

On Saturday, July 25th, the British band DEEPEST BLUE, the perpetrators of such popular singles as "Give It Away", was the special guest of the SOHO ROOMS.

The Deepest Blue is the name under which there is union of two talented people, Israelis Matti Schwartz, a former member and founder of "Massive Attack" and composer for the soundtrackk for the movie "The Matrix", the man who gave the world such songs as "Dancing In The Dark", "Oh, This Love"," Indirect "," Day Dream ", Zoom" Let It Go"(Gusto) and" Can You Feel (What I'm Going Through)", as well as Joel Edwards, who is responsible for voice and lyrics. Joel is known as an outstanding singer and composer, and as one who is closely related to Ed Case, M Factor and vocal parts in "Let It Go".





Among the guests of the evening were: Deepest Blue, Pauline Griffiths, Alexander Ovechkin, Alexei Savrasenko, Daniil Fedorov, Leonid Gandelman, Maria Kravtsova, Timati, and many others.

more pictures... (but not Ovechkin's)

Semin is not even mentioned, wtf? The guy can play bongos, sorry, couldn't resist... :-)

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Yes, Ovie is training

 Some people questioned Alex after seeing all the party pictures in this blog and here's the answer, yes he is training with Kapitonov in Novogorsk! This interview in Sovetsky Sport (July 30, 2009) is with Maxim Afinogenov, but they are mentioning Ovechkin (some excerpts):

Moscow Dynamo started pre-season training and their intentions are to play for the Gagarin Cup this season. Not just the players who signed with Dynamo are training in Novogorsk, there are also NHL stars, Alexander Ovechkin, Maxim Afinogenov, Andrei Markov...

When we were leaving Novogorsk training facility a sporty BMW dashed into the parking lot and hit the brakes. Guess who else came to train in a familiar facility? It was easy to find by the license plate number - AAA 008. As if you could read, "Alexander Ovechkin, #8". We immediately recalled the words that Sasha wrote on the Dynamo's wishes board: "To my dear Dynamo: thanks for the start into a beautiful life!".

Now isn't it dumb for Sovetsky Sport, a widely circulated newspaper in Russia, to publish Ovechkin's license plate? Let us know what you think.

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Moscow never sleeps (update)

 Somebody asked what songs were in Ovechkin's dj set...

From mainpeople.ru:

The party's culmination was the 15-minute dj-set by Ovy. With the support of his friend and teammate Alexander Semin, the National Hockey League superstar detonated the dance floor. And when the mix started incorruptible hit "Moscow never sleeps" the entire floor raised their hands and began to follow the song with almost one voice: "Moscow, I love you! Ovechkin, we love you!" ["Ja looblyu tebja, Moskva", "My loobim tebja, Ovechkin"]

Some pictures of Moscow at Night from National Geographic, "Moscow Never Sleeps" (Novelist Martin Cruz Smith and photographer Gerd Ludwig discover the sinister magic of a city that reveals its true colors at night.)

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How Mordvinian obstinacy helps Ovechkin to reach the new heights

 Here's a great job by TuvanHillbilly of Japer's Rink. He found an interview with Ovechkin for Saransk web site.

Some excerpts:

Can you reveal your main secret-why do you play better that all the rest?
"I don't even know" (laughs). "My main principle is to never stop, to work and to improve every day. Mordvinian obstinacy has been a great help to me. (laughs). And another one of my rules is that it is never a shame to study."

Are your victories this year dedicated to anybody?
"I really wish that my late brother could have been at the awards ceremony. (His brother Sergei was tragically killed in a car accident when Alexander was 10 years old- ed.) Also, this year my grandfather passed away. (Nikolai Mikhailovich Kabaev, born in the village of Shoksha in the Tengushevsky region, passed away at 84 years of age in November of last year-ed,) I dedicated the Lester Pearson MVP Award to their memory. It also meant a lot that the prize was awarded to me by Vladimir Konstantinov and Igor Larionov. I idolized their game when I was a kid."

Related posts:

• Shumbrat, Finno-Ugria


• Tatiana Ovechkina: We are the Russians of Mordvin blood.

According to Wikipedia, Patriarch Kirill I, the current Partiarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, is of Mordvin (Erzya) origin.

Update:

I did more digging on Wikipedia. What I have found is that Mordvins are actually of two ethnicities, Erzyans and Mokshans. I couldn't find who Ovechkins belong to and then I dig this: "Nikolai Mikhailovich Kabaev, born in the village of Shoksha in the Tengushevsky region". According to Russian version of Wikipedia Shoksha people consider themselves Erzya. Whew, that was some piece of work. I even added Ovechkin's Mom to Wikipedia as famous Erzya. Maybe even Alex himself doesn't know that.

Another famous person, supermodel Natalia Vodianova (Erzya):


Наталья Водянова


Svetlana Khorkina (Moksha) Светлана Хоркина

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Ovechkin at Miss Russia 2009 party

 
Alexander Ovechkin at the ceremonial reception devoted to Miss Russia 2009 Sofia Rudjeva's departure to the international competition "Miss Universe 2009". The party was held at "Club 59". (Moscow, Russia, July 28, 2009)


By Roman Kulguskin, glomu.ru, July 28, 2009:

Miss Russia 2009 Sofia Rudjeva

...At the end of the evening each of the star guests had the opportunity to wish good luck to Sofia.

"Good evening to everyone, thank you that I was called and moreover invited to the stage," said Alexander Ovechkin, covering his eyes with the hand from the camera flashes. "I wish our girls..." - he said and paused. "...hmmmm, in fact s that there's only one girl," said one of the guests. On hearing this Ovechkin immediately corrected himself, "...our girl, who will be at Miss Universe show, a victory, like what the team of Russia brought to the country a year ago, success and to remain beautiful."

After Ovechkin's speech most of the guests left ignoring the final concert by the singer Lada Dance.

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Semin: Ovechkin and I are like brothers

 By Dinara Kafiskina, July 29, 2009, sportsdaily.ru:

I met Alexander Semin at the recent honoring of his friend and teammate Alexander Ovechkin in one of the capital's clubs. Back then we didn't have a chance to talk. That was understandable, it was a party. But we agreed to meet on the following day. Semin used to be so taciturn, but now I wouldn't say it. It maybe the result of communicating with the American journalists... [tj: yeah right, ask Tarik... :-)]

"To be honest my English is poor. Far from perfection," admittedly smiles Semin. "Of course I still learn the language. But the most important thing is practice. I am trying to talk with my American and Canadian teammates. Basically I understand what I am told, but to speak, it's still very difficult. And if it is still necessary to give an interview I do it with the help of a translator.

There's a lot to talk about. You are in fact playing in the NHL playoffs for the second consecutive year...
The last season left very good impressions. I scored more points than the year before. Unfortunately the injuries spoiled the results, but you can't avoid them. I was forced to miss about twenty games. In general I am getting better, still have to work on some things. In general I played decently in the playoffs. It is a pity that have not been able to go further. Maybe because of lack of experience, maybe just got tired. A lot of factors to consider. But nothing can happen at once, it goes gradually. Our team is young.

The fact that Washington got to the conference semifinals is already a success...
The bottom line is that we were worthy it. And we played the whole season well. As of playoffs it's a lottery. Whoever has more than luck, the further they'd go.

In Russia a lot was written about Simeon Varlamov...
He is a young guy with a bright future, he helped us a lot. Not every goalie at his age is able to show a confident play, without chickening out, in his very first year in the NHL. There were some games he had won singlehandedly.

You are playing more. Do Coaches believe in you?
Yes, there is something about it. Now I play 22-23 minutes on average. In my first season in Washington I was playing less, for about 19 minutes. If the coach sees that the player shows some results, that he can rely on him, then he wants to see you on the ice more. I can't single out one game, but probably the most memorable game was when I scored in overtime against Boston from the red line.

Do you feel more like one of the Capitals leaders?
Yes. Along with Sasha Ovechkin (smiles). You know how people over the ocean like hockey. The fans know all the players in person. In any place you go they can approach you, welcome you. It takes a while to get used to it. Of course it is nice to see people wearing jerseys with my name. But there are more Ovechkin's jerseys (smiles).

With Sasha you are like twins. Do you help each other?
Of course! Can't live without that. We have played together from the very young age. And it's just so awesome that he was drafted to my team. He is my greatest friend. I would say he is like a brother already. We constantly communicate, always together on the road. We had an awesome team, four Russians! The most Russian team in the NHL! And it really was giving some additional force.

Viktor Kozlov once said that you and Sasha Ovechkin are like two batteries. Jump start all the guys on ice...
Vitya said that? Maybe, from the side one can see better. I have once heard that in Washington everybody are looking at me and Ovechkin. As they say, how we play affects the entire team. If this is really true, it's nice. But I can't say anything about myself on this. The coach gives us the instructions, tells us what needs to be done and we do.

The fact that Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov left to the KHL, is it a big loss for Washington?
Of course, we will miss them. They were scoring important goals. Very experienced players, what else can you say ...

Why is it that many are surprised by the fact that it was Fedorov who is back in Russia ...
As for to me, it's no surprise. Nothing really can surprise me anymore. People go where it is more profitable, more comfortable. Even during the NHL season there were talks about Sergei continuing his career in Russia.

Can you do this one day?
Honestly I didn't think about it. Every player dreams to play in the NHL. And I had this wish since childhood. And it is certainly hasn't been lost. I have a contract with Washington for another year. And I know how it goes in the KHL, more or less. I phone Zhmakin all the time, talk with other guys. I've heard that the league is getting better. There are people who are interested in its success.

I hope you have received the invitation to the Olympic team?
Yes. I sure will be there. I am very happy that I was invited. I spoke with Bykov and Zakharkin when they were visiting the States during the regular season. So I knew about the pre-olympics camp in advance.

Did you wonder about the roster?
To be honest, I did not. What for? Who will come, will come. To come to the camp is one thing. The Olympics are in February, you have to live to it. Now I feel fine. I've already started training for the upcoming season. Not on the ice yet, but on the ground.

Very soon you'll fly back to the States. By the way, how's your life there?
I fell in love with Washington. Nice, quiet town. My Dad and sister visit me often. My Mom lives with me. So I have no problems at home. Always have something to eat. And I eat everything. Don't follow any diet. I especially like when my mother makes krasnoyarsk's pelmeni. I don't infringe myself. My playing weight is 84 kg [tj: 185 pounds]. And I have not been threatened to gain weight.

You get home, eat, drink, then what?
Go to bed. For a good sleep I need 9 to 10 hours. What else? Sometimes visit odnoklassniki.ru to communicate with my classmates. Actually I have very little free time. It only seems that you have it.

Maybe in the summer ...
In the summer, of course, you have more of it. I've managed to visit Moscow, my native Krasnoyarsk. Last year, we, along with my brother Ovechkin, went to Turkey, this time it didn't happen. I had other friends to relax with. Most of all I love to lay on the beach and swim. I also like to play volleyball, soccer and tennis. So I am also friends with other sports.

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Another RT interview with Ovechkin

 

From Russia Today, July 28, 2009, part II:

Alexander Ovechkin says he and fellow Russian, Evgeny Malkin get on fine, despite admitting that he punched the Pittsburg forward’s agent and reports of a feud between the two stars in the US press.

RT caught up with the two-time Hart Trophy winner, who also reflects on another successful season in the NHL.

Your fourth season in the NHL and the furthest you’ve got so far in the play-offs. Do you think this is the best season for you so far?
Well, of course it’s the best season for my team and for our organization. I hope next couple of years it’s going to get better and better.

And this is the third time in four years you’ve got over a 100 points yourself. You must be pleased with that?
Well you know, I always want to make special moments in my career… plays, my personal stats – it’s always good. You know.

Just going back to the semi-final, Eastern Conference series in Pittsburg… Is that one of the best games you’ve played in?
One of my best games, yeah. But you know that series… Next series I hope we’re going to be in the final and win the Stanley Cup.

What was going through your mind when, I can’t remember, was it game 5 or 6, when you checked Gonchar on the knee? What was going through your mind when you checked your fellow-countryman?
Well I just said to him “it was an accident”. I don’t want to hit somebody to give him bad feelings, some injury or something like that. You know, it’s hockey and you never know what’s going to happen.

You did really well in that series… going into the final game in front of your home crowd it must have been very disappointing to go 5-0 down in the first period?
Well, yeah, of course it’s disappointing, especially when we play at home, in our building, for our fans. I didn’t score in my first shift, with a breakaway chance… you know, if I scored one goal maybe it would have been a different game.

Do you think these series have gone any closer to say who is a better hockey player? I mean, Aleksander Ovechkin or Sydney Crosby?
Evgeny Malkin

Going to Evgeny Malkin… you’ve adapted very well to the NHL, you speak very good English. Evgeny hasn’t been able to adapt as well to the NHL, he doesn’t speak much English.
I think if somebody can speak English, they can speak English anytime. They can learn, they can talk to some guys… But, you know, it’s hard, it’s a hard language.

How is your relationship with Evgeny?
It’s a normal relationship.

So what we saw at the All-Star game, when Evgeny gave you a..
It was just a moment.

So, reports about you punching his agent at a nightclub, that’s rubbish?
No it’s true, but it’s OK.

Staying with North America for a bit longer. Don Cherry, the colorful Canadian, hasn’t been saying the nicest words about your goal celebrations.
It’s always nice to hear some bad words about myself. It’s pushed me to do some more crazy stuff. I love it.

The Tampa Bay controversy, when you sort of rode your stick. It was almost too hot. That provoked some sort of reaction.
You know, it’s a hockey game. You have emotions. So, why do you have to keep emotions to yourself. I just want to give my emotions to everybody. I just do my thing and I love what I’m doing.

The best goal you ever scored. Was that still against Phoenix, do you think, in 2006?
Probably the Olympic Games, against Canada.

More sentimental?
Yeah.

Thank you very much Alex. All the best.

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Will you leave the NHL to play in Sochi?

 From Russia Today, July 27, 2009:

Aleksandr Ovechkin says he's ready to quit the NHL if he's prevented from playing in the 2014 Winter Olympics. At the moment, it's uncertain whether the league will allow a mid-season break for the Sochi games.

RT caught up with the Washington Capitals forward, who also looks ahead to next year’s Olympics in Vancouver.

You are an ambassador for the Sochi 2014 Olympics. How do you feel about that?
I’m very proud of my country and I’m very happy to be an ambassador for Sochi 2014.


Unfortunately we don’t know whether the NHL players will be allowed to play in Sochi. How are you going to feel if you are not allowed to play in Sochi?
I will be there.

Even if that means you leaving the NHL?
(Nods)

So if push came to shove, you would leave the NHL to play in Sochi?
Yes.

Have there been any talks about allowing NHLers to play?
Well, right now it’s a long way to the Olympics. Let’s wait for what is going to happen when the Olympics will be closer.

Again, for the second season in a row, the Russians really dominated the scoring charts, both in assists and scoring points… How do you explain this dominance of Russians in the NHL?
Russian hockey players are now probably the best players in the world. You can see it – we have won two championships in a row. And Russian guys are the best in the league, so it’s a good feeling for our friends.

You can teach people to play good hockey. But I think one thing that Russians have is flair… You can’t teach those sorts of things.
Well, it’s a natural thing.

But this all bodes well for the Olympics?
I can’t wait to go to the Olympic Games and win the Olympics and a Stanley cup. So probably one year.

Which is more important?
Soon it will be the Olympic Games, so the Olympic Games and after the Olympic Games, the Stanley cup.

When I think of a top line of you, Kovalchuk and Evgeny Malkin, that’s an incredible top line.
You can see what it’s going to be in the Canada line, Swedish line, American line, so everything is going to be crazy and this probably is going to be one of the best tournaments in the history of hockey.

Do you think the fact that you’ve beaten the Canadians the last three times you’ve played gives you a psychological advantage?
Well, of course it’s a good feeling when you beat a good team three times in a row, but every year, every moment, every game is a different game, so you never know what is going to happen.

You said it would take about five years for the KHL to catch up with the NHL. Do you still agree with that?
You can’t build a good product in a year. It’s going to be a long way. But I hope it’s going to be a good way, so I wish the KHL good luck in my most sincere way.

You’ve signed a 12-year contract with Washington, so you obviously are not going back to the KHL?
You never know what is going to happen tomorrow.

Your colleges in Washington – Kozlov and Sergey Fedorov – obviously have gone back to the KHL. How big a loss is that going to be for you?
Well it’s a big loss for our team. But you know it’s life and you can’t keep everybody together every time. They chose their different way, so I wish them luck again.

How much did these guys help you in Washington to settle in?
They helped me all the time and they helped the Russians, and Canadian guys… They have great experience, especially Fedorov. That guy was amazing for our team, and especially for the young guys.

Ovie will make everything possible to be there, but he won't just "leave", he is not that type of a guy, that's my opinion.

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Ovechkin's video interview to Russian edition of "Men's Health"

 

Warning: This video loads extremely slow

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Ovechkin and a sheep

 July 27, 2009:

The most charismatic Ivanushka soloist Andrei Grigoriev-Appolonov celebrated his birthday with such a magnitude that police was called to scatter the guests. Andrei was partying at the restaurant located in the Federation skyscraper in the Moscow City and the residents of nearby homes frighten by the noise called the police.

"When we got to the restaurant it was so loud that was we couldn't hear our own voices!" police officers told to L!FE.ru. "Some crowd was partying under heavy guard."

Upon learning that it was a birthday party of a popular singer the police decided not to spoil his holiday. They allowed to continue partying, but demanded to make it quiet.

The most unusual gift for Andrei was a real live sheep... The artist was shocked that his colleagues have found a red color sheep. [tj: Adrei is a red head] "What I going to do with it?" was wondering a red head. "It's for the first time in my life I am touching a living sheep with my hands." Masha, the singer's wife, was very happy with this present. When Andrei suggested to slaughter the sheep for barbecues, his wife forbade him to do so.

"We'll take him to Ovechkin's Dad dacha [tj - summer cottage]. And tomorrow I'll bring a special food for him!" urged Masha his husband.

...hmmm... What is interesting that the last name 'Ovechkin' means a 'little lamb' or 'sheep' in Russian.

Another version... showbirja.ru:

In one of the restaurants located in downtown "Moscow City", Andrei Grigoriev-Appolonov, the red head soul of group "Ivanushka International", celebrated his 39-year anniversary. To congratulate the singer came Nikolai Baskov, Max Pokrovsky, Alexander Ovechkin, Dmitry Malikov, even Andrei's ex-girlfriend Maria Lopatova flew from France (now she is married to basketball player Andrei Kirilenko). Timati was a dj for almost the entire evening. The most original gift was a live and completely red (as his new owner) sheep. Frighten by loud music the sheep was desperately bleating, obviously not close to the artist level of his master.

"I am gonna give the ram to Alex Ovechkin, let the sheep live in his country's dacha and I'll visit my pet," coined Grigoriev-Appolonov.

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Ovechkin: Better off with Fedorov

 Actually the title is "OVECHKIN: DIFFICULT WITHOUT FEDOROV" :-)

English Sport-Express, July 27, 2009:

The star of Washington Capitals Alexandr Ovechkin was hailed in one of the Moscow nightclubs.


More pictures in my previous post.

Last year the friends of Ovechkin gathered in the club Rai already to celebrate his Hart Trophy winning. This year the ice hockey player again received the most prestigious individual award in NHL and gave cause for another party.

"This year everything is better organized and well-planned," said Ovechkin before the party started. "For me it is a good opportunity to have rest before the start of the new season."

"I am very much pleased that many people are going to congratulate me."

"I have more than enough emotions and it is just a party for my friends and close people."

"I became a delegate of the Olympics-2014 in Sochi recently. I am proud that I was awarded this title."

"It is necessary to show the world that the Olympics in Sochi will be held on the highest level and that Russia deserved the right to hold Olympic Games."

"I am already thinking about the Vancouver Olympics. And I know people hope for the victory of our team."

"Canadians want to revenge on us for the losses in two consecutive World Championships. But not only they want it. For two years we outplayed everybody and all countries want to beat us."

"Next season will be difficult without Sergei Fedorov that left for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. It is a pity to lose such a great man and a wonderful player."

"But life is life. We wish him luck and success. I wanted to have him in NHL. But he chose a different way – to play with his brother and I think it right."

Full version in Russian.

DJ Ovechkin (in Russian, about the party, same stuff)

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Ovechkin, Semin and Fedorov party in Paradise (update)

July 27, 2009:

Interesting comment(Puck Daddy): "the tattoo on her back literally means "sexy" in Chinese..."




Interesting comment: someone says Semin has Tu puta madre on his t-short. Semin was always interested in Brazilian girls. :-)








Alex with Dad

To entertain Alexander Ovechkin's party the wife of red soloist group "Ivanushka" Masha arranged a complete show.

Sasha and Masha have long been close friends, so she did everything possible to make sure all the guests of the evening were having fun. She was irresistible as ever presenting herself as Marilyn Monroe. Masha has long earned a reputation as a girl that makes the party cool, this time she was having fun with Ovechkin's friend and teammate Alexander Semin.

Alexander the Great had a cool party to celebrate the highest NHL's Hart Memorial Trophy, which he received for second time in succession. Following a tradition Alex invited his closest friends. Alexander Semin was one of the first who arrived to the party.

In the midst of the party Ovechkin and Semin did dj-set and it was perfect.

Live hockey legend Sergei Fedorov came to the party with a pretty blonde who looks surprisingly similar to his former girlfriend, a tennis player Anna Kournikova.

Update: This picture from geometria.ru is from the last year (thanks to our blog reader Hamlet)











more...

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Ovechkin's interview to SportBox.ru (video update)

 


The Washington Capitalas forward Alexander Ovechkin gave an interview after the party given in his honour in one of the Moscow night clubs.

By Andrei Zhurankov, sportbox.ru, July 26, 2009:

Your friends, who gathered here to congratulate you, packed the night club completely.
Not all of them are my friends, many are just acquaintances. But it is gratifying that so many people gathered here to support and congratulate me. And I think I deserved it with my sweat and blood.

Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov returned to Russia. When can we expect you?
Not too soon. Maybe during the next lockout, if there will be one.

And how did you react to their departure?
Negatively. We have become very close friends, so it was a little upsetting. However it is their choice and I have no right to judge them.

Evgeni Malkin in an interview said that he was going to seriously improve his English because, in his view, his communication with the journalists was not enough to get him the Hart Trophy. How would you look at it?
If someone believes that Hart Trophy is given only for communicating with the journalists, they can even start learning Chinese if they think it would help.

The Forbes magazine recently published a top 50 richest and most famous athletes in Russia. You are there 2nd after Maria Sharapova. What do you think about it?
I don't count other people's money.

Do you think you need a dream team to win the Olympics?
First of all you need to build it from a team oriented people who would fight for each other, as well as for the flag of the country.

Have you already discussed the Olympics with other players?
No, it's not our business. Let the Coaches discuss the roster.

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Ovechkin's updates from Novogorsk

 Dynamo.ru, July 25, 2009:

Andrei Markov and Maxim Afinogenov are training with a team off the ice and on the ice. Alexander Ovechkin does only off the ice training for now.

Ovechkin arrives in his white sport BMW. The car is growling slightly quieter than the lawn mover and it is so low that it seems it can go under the entrance barrier of the Dynamo's facility. But for some reason the barrier is still raised for Ovechkin.



Off ice training video (not about Ovechkin)


USA Hockey Instructional Video "Off-Ice Training 2"

By Alena Shilova, Dynamo.ru, July 25, 2009:

Alexander Ovechkin held his first new season's training session. The world's hockey star was accompanied by his Dad [tj: As we know Dad was Alex' trainer for the most of Ovechkin's childhood].

Ovechkin is training on his individual program and under the supervision of his and Dynamo's fitness coach Dmitri Kapitonov.

"Sasha just came back from Turkey. He went there for business and pleasure. He was vacationing with other celebrities, one of of them was Timati. He said that they were mobbed every time they'd go out," says Uncle Misha, Ovechkin's Dad.

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Ovechkin started training in Novogorsk

 Sport-Express, July 25, 2009:

On Friday Sport-Express correspondents visited Novogorsk to watch Moscow Dynamo's training, who are of one of the favorites of the upcoming season.

It was Mikhail Viktorovich, Alexander Ovechkin's father, who was first person SE team saw at the entrance to the Dynamo's training facility. It didn't take long for two-time Hart Trophy winner to show up in his luxury car. Nodding his head Alexander the Great greeted the media and disappeared in the depths of the main building, where on the way in he met a group of hockey players in Dynamo uniforms. Among them were Montreal's defenseman Andrei Markov and former Buffalo Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov.

"Markov asked for permission to train with us and the club's management gave him a green light," explained the situation later Dynamo's head coach Sergei Kotov. "Maxim is planning to go through the whole training camp with the team. We have big hopes that the next season Afinogenov will play for Dynamo. As far as I understand he himself would like to stay with us. But in this situation, not everything depends on our will."

Q.: "Is Ovechkin also training with a team?"

Kotov: "No, Sasha is working individually, on his own schedule."

Q.:Is there some certainty with the missing the pre-season camp Jiri Hudler?

Kotov: "As we agreed, he will join us on August 10. As far as I know, the situation is clear now, Hudler will play for Dynamo."

I guess Dmitri Kapitonov is working with Ovechkin as usual.

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Sharapova, Ovechkin in Russian celebrities top 5

 vmdaily.ru, July 24, 2009:

The Russian edition of Forbes published today the top 50 Russian celebrities, which was compiled by taking into account the annual income and popularity (the attention of the press and the public interest). The top 50 list continues to be led by Maria Sharapova with the annual income of $22 million. The first five includes Russian national soccer team's striker Andrei Arshavin (3rd place, $7.2 million) and NHL superstar Alexander Ovechkin (5th place, $12 million).

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Fedorov's financial disaster can happen to anyone

 As we all know from Freep, Fedorov lost 43 million to a guy who befriended him. Kind of like what Madoff did to his friends. Really scary.

Who can you believe now?

Now I understand why Fedorov left for KHL though he really wanted to stay with his friends in DC.

Here James Mirtle gives another look at Fedorov's disaster or "These stories are far too common...".

Of the $65-million or so made over his NHL career, Fedorov has apparently lost $43-million to "a Grosse Pointe Shores man entrusted to manage his money." Given the amounts involved — about two-thirds of his lifetime earnings — and some of the language in an agreement he made with this Joseph Zada (see snippet below), it seems Fedorov could be in some tax trouble down the line as well:

I talked to one source in the industry about this case and they said that after taxes and agent's fees, Fedorov really should have only had something like $35-million at his disposal, making it appear something fishy is going on if Zada indeed had control of this much of his cash.

"These stories are far too common," he added, pointing to financial issues and lawsuits involving Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias.

It also seems apparent that Fedorov had wanted to keep this situation quiet, and I wouldn't be surprised if the only reason the suit was filed now is that he's over in Russia, well away from the North American press. It's a sad story, really, especially when you consider the incredible start he had to his career:

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NHL.com top 10 Russian players

 You know why I love Malkin playing for Penguins? Because you can see clearly that Malkin's better than Crosby although NHL Betting sharps are favoring Sidney Crosby's Penguins to repeat as champions. And where would you insert Crosby in this list of Russians? You know the answer. And it ends the debate about Crosby and Ovechkin. Because Ovechkin's waay better than Sid. Online Betting sharps can also bet on season MVP which will be a toss up between Ovechkin, Malkin and Crosby.

NHL.com figured now would be as good a time as any to produce a list of the League's top 10 Russians:

1. Alex Ovechkin, F, Washington: Ovechkin is the third-youngest player to win consecutive Hart Trophies, behind Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. He led the League with 56 goals, 1.39 points per game, 528 shots and 46 power-play points in 2008-09. He was second to Tampa Bay's Evgeny Artyukhin for most hits by a Russian player last season with 243, and he finished with a team-leading 11 goals, 21 points and plus-10 rating in 14 playoff games.

2. Pavel Datsyuk, F, Detroit: Datsyuk finished 2008-09 with 97 points (32 goals, 65 assists), matching his career high established one season earlier. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the second straight season and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the fourth straight time. He's recognized as the best two-way player in the League -- finishing last season with a plus-34 rating, 89 takeaways and a 56 percent faceoff winning percentage.

3. Evgeni Malkin, F, Pittsburgh: Malkin led the League in scoring in the regular season with 113 points and the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 35 points, becoming the first Russian-born player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy. He topped the NHL with 94 takeaways and notched 30-plus goals for the third straight season.

X. Sidney Crosbov

4. Ilya Kovalchuk, F, Atlanta

5. Sergei Gonchar, D, Pittsburgh

6. Andrei Markov, D, Montreal

7. Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Edmonton

8. Alexander Semin, F, Washington

9. Evgeni Nabokov, G, San Jose

10. Alexei Kovalev, F, Ottawa

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Google maps speak Russian

 Unfreakingbelievable!

I've pasted the address in Russian of a Rai (Paradise) night club in Moscow, where Alex Ovechkin party will be, to maps.google.com and Google maps found it!


View Larger Map

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Interview from Semin's home land, Krasnoyarsk region

 
Krasnoyarsk's region web site, July 21, 2009:

View Larger Map


Q.: It seems like recently Achinsk expresses itself as a center of sports development.

Mayor of Achinsk: Here is another sign of change in the psychology of our citizens, they started actively going to soccer games. Earlier there were just die hard fans on the stands. After we built the first stadium in 2007 the fans started filling it completely. Same with the introduction of the hockey arena. The frame was placed in the middle of 80's of the last century. In 2.5 months we have been able to re-open this project and put it into operation. Now here come those boys who have dreamed about it when they were kids. In August we expect the famous hockey players, Fetisov, Kozhevnikov, Makarov, Krasnoyarsk's alumni Semin, and they promise to bring Ovechkin with them. We will have hockey celebration in the summer. Swedish coaches will arrive too. We want to build another hockey arena, there are some indications, we've already spoken with some investors ...

Achinsk is 5,820 miles away from Washington, DC, according to Google.

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Celebration in Moscow night club in honor of Ovechkin

 from dma-media.ru, July 21, 2009:

Russian citizen Alexander Ovechkin, who is playing for Washington Capitals, has won the Hart Trophy of most valuable player in the NHL for the second year in a row. The Paradise [tj- Rai in Russian] club organizes the celebration for his fellow countryman, friend and honored guest, to congratulate him warmly and heavenly.

Alexander The Great, Ovy, Great 8, these great nicknames given to Alexander Ovechkin by his many fans, are not an exaggeration. At the age of 23 he had already won an honorable place in the hockey Hall of Fame, earning a reputation as one of the most successful players of the world. The Washington Capitals sniper scored a record 281 goals, and has been voted NHL's the best player. In 2009 Alexander the Great became the absolute star of the National Hockey League and confirmed his reputation of the hockey genius.

A person like him is worthy of a special party. On July 24th for the second time club Paradise is organizing a special show in honor of Alexander Ovechkin. On this night Alexander's colleagues from Russia's national hockey team, his friends, prominent businessmen, politicians, sports journalists and representatives of the show business will come to congratulate Ovy.

During the celebration Anastasia Stotsky and the guys from the group Chelsea will perform their the best songs, virtuoso Edgar will try to surprise all the guests playing the violin. Another surprise will be a charity auction with a lot of offerings including autographed Alexander Ovechkin's jersey.

And that's not all! The best NHL player and Hart Trophy winner will perform an exclusive dj-set and for the first time will present to a public his own track.

The party of "Alexander the Great" will show to the night city that the Russian athletes feel at the club's dance floor just as confident as they are on the ice.

I guess it will be a track with Basta...
From that post:

Q.:Tell us how you went to Metallica concert.
Ovechkin: Oh, it was cool! Green and I went together. He threw on a Metallica T-shirt. I dressed more modest. Metallica is an icon of rock. I really enjoyed it. Although I usually listen to the dance music, Eminem, Basta...

Did you talk to them?
Ovechkin: Only to Basta. He is a friend of Danila Markov. We even filmed a clip together.

According to ProSport magazine, Alex Semin will be there too.

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Four years ago today

 By Japer's Rink, July 20, 2009:

Four years ago today, "Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals' No. 1 overall draft pick last year, ended weeks of speculation about his immediate future ... when he chose the Capitals over his Russian hockey club." The world would never be the same again.

Photo Credit: AP Photo




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91 no more

 

Do you remember those mirrored numbers?


This time Fedorov decided to mirror his lil' big brother's number, he'll be 18, Fedor will keep his usual 81. Both will play for the former Malkin's team Metallurg.


Fedor Fedorov



Photo by Alexander Vilf, SE

Sport-Express.ru, July 20, 2009:

Q.: Did Ovechkin, Semin and Varlamov tried to persuade you to stay in Washington?
Fedorov: Yes, immediately after the season was over they were asking me what were my thoughts. I will not palter, but I really wanted to stay in Washington. The guys even offered me some money (laughs). And Semin said, "Come on, you can play in defense. At least we will have a chance to get a good pass." I replied, "No, Sash it's better if you come to us." Honestly, this topic is like stepping on my last nerve, I really didn't want to leave the guys.

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Malkin: I am not a loser anymore

 By Pavel Zaitsev, SprotExpress.ru, July 17, 2009:

Photo by Andrei Serebryakov



Many considered Detroit a favorite for the Stanley Cup finals. What helped Pittsburgh in the end?
Detroit was the favorite? I don't agree. In my opinion two equal teams met in the finals. We just started the series on a road and it is always very difficult to play at Joe Louis Arena. it seems we played well, but still lost in the first two games, after that we came up with some conclusions and at home we put everything together for all one hundred percent. Eventually the series ended to a decisive seventh game and it was the game of who would be the first to make a mistake. Somewhere we probably were lucky, but at the same time I think we played better than opponent.

How Pittsburgh celebrated the victory in the Stanley Cup? How were you met back home?
The impression was that the celebration had been prepared at the highest level. The atmosphere was crazy. Three hundred thousand people on the streets, a trip on the limousines, the enthusiasm of fans. The festival turned out grand! Then we came to the locker room, took pictures with the Cup and individual trophies. Laughed, joked, the mood was excellent for all. To be honest, not every joke I could understand, but it is not important.

You, along with Sidney Crosby poured champagne to your parents from the cup. Whose idea was it?
It was prompted by the organizers of the celebration. We liked it, the parents liked it too.



A bit later there was the picture of a man sleeping together with the cup around the internet. It was not very clear who specifically it was, some have argued that it was Crosby, but others thought it was you, Evgeny...
I was not on that picture for sure. I had a lot of pictures with the cup shot everywhere, but not in bed, in my opinion it would be too much. As for Crosby... I don't know. After the victory we came to visit Mario Lemieux for a few days.

He has a big house, a huge area, we stayed there, had fun, drank champagne, took photographs. But in my presence nobody made that photo for sure. Perhaps the joke was staged at night, the cup was left at Mario's house and Crosby lives there. But I didn't talk with Sydney about it. When I go back to Pittsburgh I'll ask him about it.

Now you have won the Stanley Cup. What's now, what is the motivation? What are the incentives now in the NHL?
But there are people who won it several times! I would also like to do it. There are a lot of individual trophies that has not been won yet. But the team's, the Stanley Cup, is the most important. However someone can find the victory accidental, the result of luck, with the help of the referees. It is therefore important to win the trophy for the second and the third time so that everybody could be convinced that we are one of the strongest teams in the league for more than one season.

Before you were considered a loser in decisive games. It was semifinal with Dave King's Metallurg when Magnitogosk won the regular season with a huge margin, but finished only third, two lost finals at the junior world championships, the previous Stanley Cup run, a defeat of the national team in the World Championship's semifinal in Moscow. Did you pay attention to this?
You don't even imagine how I feel now! Deep down in my soul it was tough, and I read a lot of press on this subject. Well, how much can you lose in the semi's and the finals? And now I can breathe easily. I can frankly say, in order to break this nasty tradition, I have done a lot of work. And I also think somebody somewhere from above helped me too.

Is there any risk of catching the star sickness?
No, I appreciate what is happening and don't take anything for granted. And I haven't noticed any great glory yet. I think it won't touch me, I already have seen a lot, played quite a lot. I know what to do and what should be done in the future.

Can we say that you are the same as you were, for example, a couple of years ago?
One hundred percent! Maybe a little smarter, a little matured, but the rest has not been changed. From the side, of course, you know better, but I want to believe that I am still an ordinary and good man.

You are often compared to Lemieux. I wonder if he helps you, advices you?
Mario is always with the team, often comes to the locker room, gives the boys advice. For example, how to best the power play. He can in fact see it better from above. And about your comparison is not easy to say, the times when Lemieux was at this best were quite different. I can say this, I think he is the greatest hockey player and I would like to stand with him on the same level, but for that I have to have a dozen of the same seasons as the last one.

How interesting is to talk to Lemieux, isn't he considered a very private person?
I don't know about the media, but with the guys he always conducts himself with the ease, I've never noticed him closed. There is no grandeur, he jokes a lot, helps with advice, and he is for the team.

Your English is gradually becoming better. Do you agree that this is also conducive to progress in your game?
Without communication it was really hard, and now I feel some kind of emancipation. Talking with the partners on the team, of course, is very important for the game, the better you understand the nuances, the better you play.

Do you regret that you didn't start to learn the language earlier?
You bet! I even asked my parents why they were not pushing me to learn English in school (laughs). Now I have to make up for the lost time.

You, Ovechkin, Datsyuk, Nabokov... so many individual trophies have been won in the last season! How Canadians with Americans perceive it? Is there any envyness, jealousy?

Not in our team for sure. We have a very friendly team, all are equal on ice. Personally I, of course, glad that the Russian hockey players dominate the NHL. And one can judge that there is no jealousy, no bias, just by the seven trophies that we won. Nobody was scheming anything, arranging a game behind. All was fair.

Were you surprised that Ovechkin got the title of the most valuable player in the regular season with such overwhelming difference, even though you had scored more points? Maybe you resent it a bit?
You can't resent to anything after such a season. I took my trophies, Ovechkin earned his. But now I know what I should want to work on. In particular, to improve my English, to talk more with the press. Maybe that is why I have not given this trophy because Sasha is more of a public man. He communicates a lot with journalists and fans, and perhaps this also gives him an additional advantage.

There was a time when you and Alexander were pitted against each other.
First of all, I think, it was the Russian press that had done it. Of course, reading all that was unpleasant. Sasha and I were always happy to communicate, we were good friends, we were happy to play together for the national team. I think this will continue, but the journalists sometimes need to have something to make news with and you have to live with it.

In just six months there will be Olympics in Vancouver. What are your predictions? You'll have to outplay Mike Babcock who was coaching Detroit in playoffs, and now you'll be facing him as a head coach of the Maple Leaf team.
So far, to be honest, I haven't thought about the Olympics. You know, I enjoy my vacation and want to deviate away from hockey. That's why I don't follow the news and try to talk less with your colleagues. As for predictions... It is clear that everybody will try to bring to the games their best players, so there will be be a lot of strong opponents. Separately I'd note, of course, us and the hosts. Canadians are terribly frustrated with two consecutive defeats in the finals of world championships, and at home they will do everything to take a revenge. So we have to make additional efforts, search for new resources.

Did you follow the Swiss World Cup?
I haven't seen the games that preceded the final unfortunately, we were playing in the Stanley Cup, had to count every free minute. But when I had a chance I read all the news and reviews on the Internet. But I watched the whole final with the triumphant Radulov's goal. How else!

Did you discuss the outcome of the championship with, say, Crosby?
Of course, and not only with Crosby. I was gloating a little over Canadian players for the defeat of their team, the more so before the final we even bet with the money, the symbolic one, of course. In the end I turned out in the black on all the parameters, earned money and Russia had won (laughs). But my jokes were not evil, everybody in the team understood it and treated them with humor.

When Magnitogorskians could photograph with the Stanley Cup?
People who organize the Cup's tour have not yet given me the exact date. I only know that the trophy will get to Europe in August. According to Metallurg management the next tournament in memory of Romazan starts in Magnitogorsk on August 31st. So I asked those who route the Cup to give me this very day. If they'll go forward with my request it would be great. Gennady Ivanovich Velichkin said that there were already several versions of the solemn meeting script, we are going to discuss them prior to my departure. Should be a good show.

Another great gift to Magnitogorsk hockey fans, the arrival of Sergei Fedorov. How do you think he will help Metallurg?
A player with such experience and skill can help any team. In Magnitogorsk there are a lot of young kids, socializing with Sergei for them would be an invaluable experience. And he himself, as far as I know, is a sociable person and is always ready to help.

And you, Evgeny, have you thought about returning to Russia? Counting that you have already won the Stanley Cup...
Frankly my plans so far are related to NHL, but I understand that the KHL is a dynamic league with good prospects. Perhaps some day this issue will become urgent for me.

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Tatiana Ovechkina about her son Alexander

 From news.mail.ru, June 25, 2009:

Alexander Ovechkin's mother Tatyana Nikolayevna spends most of her time with her son in America. The Trud's correspondent met with the famous basketball player, two-time Olympic champion, and talked with her about Alexander.

Tatyana Nikolayevna, are you seriously worrying about the separation with your son who for the most part of a year is playing over the ocean?
It is certainly not easy, but I try as often as possible to visit Sasha in Washington and do it at the first opportunity. So one can say that we are spending a lot of time together.

When Alexander left to America, he was still quite young. Did you worry about your son, who was in a foreign country with the different language and customs?
Of course I did, but not so much. If a person has his head on his shoulders, he will be able to cope with the new conditions, even if it's not that easy. Sasha has always been independent and responsible, so I knew that he wouldn't make any serious mistakes and it eventually turned out that way.

Alexander said in our conversation that was always happy when you come to visit him and said that he would turn down any restaurant in favor of mother's food. What dishes does Sasha like?
Sasha loves everything what ordinary Russian people do. But the special place in his the soul is for pelmeni (dumplings). So each time I'd visit him I'd make them. We often have his friends, led by Sasha Semin, who come to enjoy my homemade pelmeni.

Sasha always comes back to Russia at the first opportunity. Can you say that American life is not so dear to him?
You should remember that he has a lot of relatives and friends in Russia and Moscow is his home town, which he loves a lot. That's why he always strives to spend all his free vacation time here.


Simon Bury/SI

What would you like to wish your son the most?
It all goes well in his athlete's career. Sasha has always complied with the regimen of training and he trains a lot in order to push the envelope. If he'll be healthy then all will be in order. I'd like him to win the Olympics and the Stanley Cup. Well, and I wish him to meet a decent girl who will love and appreciate him.

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Ovechkin starts his pre-season 2010 training in 3 days

 Moscow, July 16, 2009.

SovSport correspondent Pavel Lysenkov had a phone interview with Alexander Ovechkin yesterday and asked him about the prospect of playing at the "Big O". "Chic idea!" immediately reacted Ovechkin. "It is cool if the league has invited our team to the Montréal's celebration. I have a personal reason, my mother became the Olympic champion in basketball in that city. She was there as a member of Soviet Union delegation at the opening and closing ceremonies. Well, it would be nice if I could play at that arena 33 years later."

But the stadium is in poor condition. Aren't you afraid to get hit in the head by the piece of the roof if it'll collapse?
Not at all. If the organizers have decided to hold the game there, then I think they will take care of the athletes' safety.

When did you last played hockey outdoors?
As a child.

Just recently U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to Moscow. Do you know that he had said some warm words about you?
Yes, I was told. That was a huge compliment. It's nice that people of his significance know about me.

Have you ever had a chance to meet with U.S. President before? Maybe on a White House visit?
Not yet. As we know only the Stanley Cup winners can be invited by the President. I hope I'll have that visit in the future.

When will you start your pre-season training?
In three days. Right now I've left Moscow for business reasons. As soon as I will be back I will start my training. I'll talk to my trainer Dima Kapitonov, he had previously prepared me for the hockey season. Maybe I will re-engage with him in Novogorsk. I can't give you exact plans.

Do you keep an eye on what Washington is doing on the agents signing? They have signed Morrison, Gordon, Knuble...
Of course I do. So far I am happy, but I think GM George McPhee wil also try to sign a strong defenseman.

How do you assess the conflict situations between the NHL and KHL, when the players sign double contracts? Here's the list: Kwiatkowski, Dadonov... and the list goes on.
I think this is the stupidity on the part of the hockey players and their agents. You need to respect your team. If you have signed the contract, oblidge to it and do not flee at once. Otherwise what were you thinking when you were signing it? Personally I'd put the human relationships ahead of the money considerations. We can't let the employer down like that.

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Ovechkin: I want to meet Maria Sharapova

 

Well, he said it again... :-)

Related post: Sharapova accepting a future dinner date with Ovechkin?


April 30, 2009




Ovie made the list of 25 hottest guys in the NHL, he is 25th. Whew! :-) That was close. Nicklas Backstrom is 12th.

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Ovie the Goalie

 


Sochi, July 4, 2009


Related post

Alexander Ovechkin and Svetlana Khorkina at the U.S. Embassy reception in honor of Independence Day. Moscow, July 2, 2009. RIA Novosti


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Ovechkin made Obama's list of great Russians! (update)

 By Stephen Dinan, TWT, July 7, 2009:

MOSCOW -- We knew he was into basketball, but apparently President Obama keeps an eye on Washington Capitals hockey as well namely NHL MVP Alexander Ovechkin.



The Caps left wing made Mr. Obama's list of great Russian contributors to the world, along with scientists, cosmonauts and pioneers of literature such as Pushkin.



Update: (h/t to DC Sports Bog and HHR)



"As a resident of Washington, D.C., I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians -- specifically, from Alexander Ovechkin. I'm very pleased to have him in Washington, D.C." Mr. Obama said, drawing a laugh from the graduating class at the New Economic School in Moscow on Tuesday.



Sergei Nemchinov and Alexander Ovechkin at a reception at the U.S. Embassy in honor of the Independence Day, July 2, 2009. Photo by РИА Новости.


Alexander Ovechkin at a reception at the U.S. Embassy in honor of the Independence Day, July 2, 2009. Photo by РИА Новости.



Alex Ovechkin playing a friendly soccer game in Sochi. Photo by РИА Новости.

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Ovechkin became the "Sochi 2014" ambassador

Moscow, Russia (RIA Novosti, July 4, 2009)  

Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin became the "Sochi 2014" ambassador, reported the press service of "Sochi 2014" organizing committee on Saturday.



The solemn ceremony of receiving the diploma of Ambassador of the 2014 Games was held at the Sochi's central stadium before the friendly game between the "Sochi 2014" team and the "Friendship" team of Russian soccer legends. The new Ambassador Alexander Ovechkin played for the organizers of the Games team.



"As a hockey player I am honored to become the Ambassador of Winter Games which will be held in my home country," said Ovechkin. "When the city of Sochi won in Guatemala we were pleased that in 2014 we will play at home on a new arena that is right on the beach of Black sea. As an athlete I'll try to do everything possible to win Olympic gold in hockey for our country. And as the Ambassador of "Sochi 2014" to make the Games held at the highest level."



Alexander Ovechkin became the guest of the festival "Sochi - YES!" for the second consecutive year which the organizing committee of "Sochi 2014" is having annually on July 4th. It was that day in 2007 at the 119th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Guatemala, when the Russian resort has received an honorable right to have Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2014.

"Well, it is becoming hard to imagine a summer without a visit to Sochi," noted the hockey player. "I've been here at this time last year. Frankly, the city is changing very rapidly. And I am very pleased that they already began to build a hockey arena".

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