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, a.k.a. "The Great 8" or "Ovi", is a celebrated Russian professional ice hockey player, currently the captain of the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Primarily a left winger, 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 widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

Sections (5)

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

1975: Mother Becomes World Champion

In 1975, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, became a world champion in basketball, showcasing her athletic prowess.

1976: Mother Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 1976, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, won an Olympic gold medal in basketball, highlighting her successful athletic career.

1980: Mother Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 1980, Tatyana Ovechkina, Alexander Ovechkin's mother, secured her second Olympic gold medal in basketball, adding to her impressive achievements.

September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin Born in Moscow

In September 1985, Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow to Soviet athletes Tatyana Ovechkina and Mikhail Ovechkin. His mother, Tatyana, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball.

September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin's Birth

On a date in September 1985, Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin was born. He is a Russian professional ice hockey player currently serving as captain for the Washington Capitals of the NHL.

September 1985: Ovechkin's Birth Date

Ovechkin's birth date is noted as September 1985, which became relevant during a draft attempt by the Florida Panthers.

2003: Panthers Attempt to Draft Ovechkin

In 2003, the Florida Panthers attempted to draft Ovechkin in the ninth round of the NHL entry draft, despite his birthday being two days after the cut-off date.

October 2006: "Russian machine never breaks"

In October 2006, after being struck by a puck, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."

2006: Hole in One

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

June 2008: Launch of Designer Streetwear Line with CCM

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

October 2008: Visit to Ailing Grandfather

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

2008: Appeared in 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: Named Ambassador for 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi

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

2010: Appeared in Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena

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

January 2011: Featured in ESPN's This is SportsCenter Commercial

In January 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials with Semyon Varlamov.

January 2011: Participated in NHL Winter Classic

On January 1, 2011, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals participated in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Capitals winning 3–1.

2011: Signed Sponsorship Deal with Nike

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

July 2014: Engagement Called Off

On July 21, 2014, Maria Kirilenko announced that her wedding with Ovechkin was called off, and the two were no longer seeing each other.

2014: Named ambassador for 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi

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

January 2015: Lobbied Honda for a New Car at 2015 NHL All-Star Game

In January 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, Alexander Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car to donate to the American Special Hockey Association and eventually received a new Honda Accord.

September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya

On September 11, 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva, whom he subsequently married.

November 2016: Auston Matthews Comments on 'The Goal'

In November 2016, Auston Matthews mentioned that he was in attendance the night Ovechkin scored "The Goal" and that it was the best goal he ever saw live.

2016: Received gift from Putin at his wedding

In 2016, Alexander Ovechkin received a gift from Vladimir Putin at his wedding, highlighting their personal connection.

January 2017: Statement on Relationships with Russians and Americans

In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated his neutrality regarding his relationships with Russians and Americans.

November 2017: PutinTeam Announced on Instagram

In November 2017, the PutinTeam movement was first announced in a post on Alexander Ovechkin's Instagram account, and the group's official website was launched later that month.

June 2018: Stanley Cup victory celebrations

Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin participated in celebrations. On June 9, 2018, Ovechkin and teammates swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.

August 2018: Birth of Son Sergei

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

2018: Promotion of the Russian Presidential elections

In 2018, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections, leading to questions about the movement.

2018: Supported Vladimir Putin

In 2018, Ovechkin expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin through the "PutinTeam" movement.

January 2019: All-Star Game Captain

On January 2, 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game, but chose to skip the game to rest.

May 2020: Birth of Son Ilya

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

September 2020: Malkin's Speech at Ovechkin's Birthday

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

May 2021: Reported 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: Pursuing a Candidate of Sciences Degree

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

February 2022: Called for peace following Russian invasion of Ukraine

On February 25, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Ovechkin called for peace and no more war without directly mentioning Russia or Ukraine.

February 2022: Future of Washington Spirit stake unclear after club sale

Sportico reported in February 2022 that Alexander Ovechkin might not have formally completed the process to acquire the stake in the Washington Spirit, and that even if he had, it was unclear whether he retained his stake after the club was sold.

May 2022: Response to question about Putin

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

June 2022: Signed one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow

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