The great chase is complete.
Alex Ovechkin became the greatest goalscorer in NHL history on Sunday, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding record of 894 goals. Ovechkin now stands alone with 895 career goals, and the momentous record was treated as such.
Among those in attendance were Gretzky, Ovechkin’s family and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. After Ovechkin’s record-setting goal, the game was paused for a ceremony to commemorate the accomplishment.
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Here are some of the best moments from that ceremony, including speeches from Ovechkin and Gretzky.
Alex Ovechkin ceremony highlights
The ceremony went longer than initially expected but did not run on.
It was highlighted by the presence of Ovechkin’s family as well as the addresses to the crowd and broadcast audience.
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Alex Ovechkin speech
Ovechkin made it a point to share that the record would not be possible “without my boys,” calling the individual achievement a product of his team.
However brief, Ovechkin’s words were powerful as reality was beginning to set in for him.
“WHAT A DAY” 🔥
OVI ON THE MIC AFTER BREAKING GRETZKY’S ALL-TIME GOALS RECORD 🎤 pic.twitter.com/oMDpWJsQ2m
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2025
Wayne Gretzky speech
Gretzky spoke for around three minutes, congratulating Ovechkin and his family.
To close his speech, Gretzky stayed true to his word of being the first to shake Ovechkin’s hand for breaking the record and congratulating franchise owner Ted Leonsis.
Wayne Gretzky’s speech as he passes the torch to the NHL’s newest goals King, Alex Ovechkin 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DrEiRWxZ3O
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2025
Wayne Gretzky No. 9 pin
During his speech, Gretzky drew attention to the No. 9 lapel pin he was wearing. He wore the pin in honor of the late Gordie Howe, the record holder before Gretzky surpassed him.
Wayne Gretzky wore a Gordie Howe pin to Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking game.
Gretzky’s wife gave Ovechkin’s wife a gift because Colleen Howe did that for her decades ago. pic.twitter.com/KeMLwmgieG
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 6, 2025
Alex Ovechkin gifts
Ovechkin received several gifts, including an NHL-commissioned painting that features his likeness and Gretzky.
In addition to the gift from the league, Ovechkin’s wife received a gift from Gretzky’s wife, continuing a tradition from the Howe family. Gretzky joked with Leonsis about purchasing a car for Ovechkin, but a vehicle could be on the way.
Ovechkin’s wife and mother received flowers as well.
.jpg.webp.webp "Alex Ovechkin assists (updated)")
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