Over two decades with the Capitals, Alex Ovechkin has cemented himself as one of hockey’s all-time greats.
Ovechkin holds a number of NHL records, including the most power-play goals and the most goals scored with one team. His career in Washington has made him one of the biggest stars in professional sports throughout the 21st century.
Long before Ovechkin was on the ice in D.C., though, he began his hockey career overseas. As the son of two former athletes, Ovechkin has Russian roots.Â
Here’s what to know about Ovechkin’s background, including his hometown, junior hockey career, NHL Draft selection, and NHL debut.
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Where is Alex Ovechkin from?
Ovechkin was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. His parents were both athletes, as his mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball with the Soviet Union’s national squad. His father, Mikhail Ovechkin, played professional soccer for some time.
Ovechkin began playing hockey at a young age. Before his junior hockey career began, Ovechkin attended a strict public school, and his family lived in a high-rise building that was surrounded by a crumbling neighborhood, according to Biography.
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Where did Alex Ovechkin play junior hockey?
Ovechkin began to establish himself as a generational talent when he played in Dynamo Moscow’s system. According to The Hockey Writers, Ovechkin scored a record 56 goals in a season when he was 11.
His professional hockey career officially began with Dynamo Moscow at age 16. When he was 18, Ovechkin won the Russian Superleague’s award for being the best left-wing in the league, and he was the youngest player to ever lead Dynamo Moscow in scoring.
In 2003, Ovechkin was selected to play for Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championships and helped his squad capture gold.Â
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When was Alex Ovechkin drafted?
Ovechkin was the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. However, after being selected by the Capitals, Ovechkin did not make his league debut for another year.
The 2004-05 NHL season never happened due to a lockout, so Ovechkin played one more season for Dynamo Moscow.Â
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When did Alex Ovechkin make his NHL debut?
Once the lockout was over and a new CBA was in place, Ovechkin officially suited up for the Capitals. On Oct. 5, 2005, he hit the ice for his first NHL game.
In a 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets, Ovechkin scored two goals in his debut. It was the beginning of a legendary NHL career that has all been in a Capitals uniform.
October 5, 2005: Alexander Ovechkin (@ovi8) scores two goals in his NHL debut in a 3-2 Capitals win over Columbus. pic.twitter.com/5EZaXQnKKr
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) October 5, 2020
Ovechkin has racked up the 2005-06 Calder Memorial Trophy, nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, three Hart Memorial Trophies, and a Stanley Cup title.
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