Early Life and Education of Alexander Ovechkin: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Alexander Ovechkin. A timeline of key moments.

Alexander Ovechkin, nicknamed "the Great 8" and "Ovi," is a highly accomplished Russian professional ice hockey player. He currently plays left wing and serves as captain for the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Ovechkin holds the record for the most career goals in NHL regular season history, making him the only player to surpass 900 regular season goals. He is considered one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of hockey.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1975: Mother Wins World Championship

In 1975, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won a world championship in basketball.

1976: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 1976, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.

1980: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 1980, Ovechkin's mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball.

September 1985: Ovechkin's Birthday

Alexander Ovechkin's birthday is in September 1985. His birthday was two days after the cut-off for the draft eligibility

September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin Born

On 17 September 1985, Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow, Russia, to Soviet athletes Tatyana Ovechkina and Mikhail Ovechkin.

2003: Panthers Attempt to Draft Ovechkin

In the 2003 NHL entry draft, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft Ovechkin in the ninth round, even though he was not yet eligible.

October 2006: "Russian machine never breaks"

On October 26, 2006, during practice, Ovechkin was hit by a teammate's shot and had to be helped off the ice. The next day, he famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."

2006: First Winter Olympic Games

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia did not win a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals, including the game-winner against Canada's Martin Brodeur, eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only non-Swedish or Finnish player named to the all-tournament team.

2006: Hole in one during charity golf tournament

In 2006, during a preseason charity golf tournament in Springfield, Virginia, Alexander Ovechkin made a hole in one on a par 3 hole, despite it being his first time playing golf.

June 2008: Designer Streetwear Launch

On June 11, 2008, Alexander Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.

October 2008: Returns Home to Moscow

In October 2008, Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career.

2008: NHL: Just Like Me and Boys to the Bigs

In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin appeared as himself in the films NHL: Just Like Me and Boys to the Bigs.

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July 2009: Sochi Olympics Ambassador

On July 6, 2009, Alexander Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

November 2009: Ovechkin Suffers Upper-Body Injury

In November 2009, Alexander Ovechkin sustained an upper-body injury after colliding with Raffi Torres during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2010: Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin appeared in the film Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena as an actor.

2010: Featured in ESPN SportsCenter commercial

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials.

January 2011: ESPN SportsCenter Commercial

On January 4, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials, where he jokingly denied being a Russian spy.

August 2011: Equipment change to Bauer Hockey

In August 2011, Ovechkin switched to Bauer Hockey equipment following a decline in his point production in the 2010–11 season.

2011: Sponsorship Deal with Nike

In 2011, Alexander Ovechkin signed a long-term sponsorship deal with sportswear brand Nike.

January 2012: Suspension and All-Star Game Absence

On January 23, 2012, Alexander Ovechkin received a three-game suspension, leading him to announce he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.

July 2014: Engagement called off

In July 2014, Maria Kirilenko announced that her wedding engagement with Alexander Ovechkin was called off, and that the two were no longer seeing each other.

2014: Sochi Olympics Ambassador

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin was an ambassador for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

January 2015: NHL All-Star Game

In January 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, Alexander Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, and brought an element of silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last. At the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new Honda Accord, which he auctioned off to benefit the American Special Hockey Association.

September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya

In September 2015, Alexander Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva.

November 2016: Matthews Recalls "The Goal"

In November 2016, Auston Matthews recalled witnessing "The Goal" live, calling it the best goal he ever saw live.

January 2017: Neutral Stance

In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated his neutrality, expressing a good relationship with both Russians and Americans.

November 2017: PutinTeam Announcement and Launch

In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin announced the launch of PutinTeam on his Instagram and the launch of the group's official website. The PutinTeam was meant to be non-political, but the idea may have been supported by Kremlin sources.

November 2017: PutinTeam Movement

In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election, describing it as a show of support for Russia.

2017: Switch back to CCM equipment

In the 2017–18 season, Ovechkin switched back to using CCM equipment.

June 2018: Stanley Cup Celebrations

Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin participated in celebrations, including an incident on June 9, 2018, where he and teammates swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup. The summer of 2018 was dubbed "The Summer of Ovi."

August 2018: Birth of son Sergei

In August 2018, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had a son, named Sergei after Ovechkin's late brother.

October 2018: Unselfish Playmaking

On October 22, 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie rather than score the easy hat-trick for himself, demonstrating his unselfish playmaking.

November 2018: Respectful Gesture to Carey Price

On November 19, 2018, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, Ovechkin applauded goaltender Carey Price for a sprawling save, showing respect and admiration for his performance.

2018: PutinTeam Support

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin supported Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election with the PutinTeam movement.

2018: Russian Presidential Election

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin supported Vladimir Putin during the Russian presidential election with the PutinTeam movement.

May 2020: Birth of son Ilya

In May 2020, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had a second son, named Ilya.

September 2020: Ovechkin's 35th Birthday Party

In September 2020, Evgeni Malkin gave a speech at Alexander Ovechkin's 35th birthday party, signifying their renewed friendship.

May 2021: Investor in Washington Spirit

In May 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was reportedly an investor in the Washington Spirit, a professional team in the National Women's Soccer League.

June 2021: Close to obtaining Candidate of Sciences

By June 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a Candidate of Sciences, which is the Russian equivalent of a PhD, in the field of Pedagogical Sciences.

February 2022: Washington Spirit Sale

In February 2022, the Washington Spirit club was sold, casting uncertainty on whether Alexander Ovechkin retained his stake in the club.

February 2022: Call for Peace

On February 25, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Ovechkin called for peace and an end to the war. He mentioned having family back in Russia and expressed hope for a quick resolution.

May 2022: Support for Putin

In May 2022, Alexander Ovechkin responded to a question about Putin by stating, "He is my president, right? I am Russian. What else can I say?"

June 2022: FC Dynamo Moscow Contract

In June 2022, Alexander Ovechkin signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow in a friendly against FC Amkal Moscow, wearing the number 3 jersey in honor of his father and scoring a goal in the match.

2023: Use of custom branded stick

Beginning in the 2023–24 season, Ovechkin began using a custom-manufactured-and-branded stick, featuring his own "8" logo.

February 2025: Praise for Passing Abilities

On February 9, 2025, after a game against the Utah Hockey Club, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin's passing abilities, highlighting his shot-pass capability.

April 2025: Tom Wilson's praise of Ovechkin

In April 2025, Capitals teammate Tom Wilson praised Ovechkin's energy and leadership on the team, highlighting his ability to create energy, score, hit, and block shots, reinforcing his legendary status.