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 Russian professional ice hockey left winger, captains the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Known as "The Great 8" and "Ovi," he is renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, ranking second only to Wayne Gretzky in all-time NHL goals. Ovechkin holds numerous NHL records, including most power play goals, away game goals, overtime goals, goalies scored upon, and goals with one team. He's one of three players to reach 800 career goals, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in hockey.

Sections (5)

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

1975: Mother's World Championship

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

1976: Mother's Olympic Gold Medal

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

1980: Mother's Olympic Gold Medal

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

September 1985: Alexander Ovechkin Born

Alexander Ovechkin was born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, to Soviet athlete parents.

September 1985: Ovechkin's Birthdate

Alexander Ovechkin's birthday is September 17, 1985, making him ineligible for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft according to the standard cut-off date.

August 2006: Jágr Praises Ovechkin's Goal-Scoring

In August 2006, Jaromír Jágr admired Ovechkin's goal-scoring ability, noting that his goals are not "flukes" and often result from beating opponents one-on-one.

October 2006: "Russian Machine Never Breaks"

During an October 2006 practice in Vancouver, Alexander Ovechkin was struck on the foot by a teammate's shot. Despite the injury, he famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."

2006: Creation of Ovi's Crazy 8's program

In 2006, Alexander Ovechkin created Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program that purchases and donates Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids, providing access to Capitals home games for fans who wouldn't normally have the opportunity.

June 2008: Launch of designer streetwear line with CCM

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

October 2008: Ovechkin Visits Ailing Grandfather

In October 2008, early in the 2008-09 season, Ovechkin went back to Moscow to see his sick grandfather, missing only his second game, which ended his 203-game streak.

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 an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

In July 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".

2010: Start of the 2010-11 Season

In 2010, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in an ESPN commercial halfway into the 2010-11 NHL season.

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

In January 2011, Alexander Ovechkin was featured in an ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercial where he laughed off accusations of being a Russian spy.

August 2011: Ovechkin Switches to Bauer Hockey

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

January 2013: Return to North America

In January 2013, Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America after the NHL lockout concluded

July 2014: Engagement to Maria Kirilenko called off

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

October 2014: Orpik and Stamkos Comment on Ovechkin's Playing Style

In October 2014, Brooks Orpik commented on the difficulty of stopping Ovechkin's one-timer, despite knowing it's coming. Also in October 2014, Steven Stamkos noted that Ovechkin's combination of skill and physicality sets him apart.

2014: Ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

In 2014, Alexander Ovechkin served as an ambassador for the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

2014: Ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association

Since 2014, Alexander Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, supporting individuals with disabilities by giving them a chance to play ice hockey.

January 2015: Lobbying for a new car at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game

In January 2015, at the NHL All-Star Game, Alexander Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, intending to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association; he received a Honda Accord which was later auctioned off for charity.

July 2015: Quick Comments on Ovechkin's Powerful Shots

In July 2015, Jonathan Quick described Ovechkin's powerful shots, comparing the experience of facing them to being a batter in baseball, seeing only a blur of the puck.

September 2015: Engagement to Nastya Shubskaya announced

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

2016: Received a gift from Putin at wedding

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

January 2017: Stated neutrality between Russians and Americans

In January 2017, Alexander Ovechkin stated that he has a good relationship with both Russians and Americans, considering himself neutral.

November 2017: Announcement of PutinTeam on Instagram and Launch of Official Website

In November 2017, Alexander Ovechkin announced the PutinTeam movement on his Instagram and launched the group's official website to support Vladimir Putin.

November 2017: Started PutinTeam movement in support of Vladimir Putin

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

2017: Ovechkin Switches Back to CCM

In 2017, prior to the Stanley Cup-winning 2017–18 season, Alexander Ovechkin switched back to CCM equipment after using Bauer equipment for several years.

June 2018: Stanley Cup victory celebration

In June 2018, following the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory, Alexander Ovechkin and his teammates celebrated by swimming in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.

August 2018: Birth of first son

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

October 2018: Ovechkin Passes to Oshie for Goal

On 22 October 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, Alexander Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie for a goal instead of scoring a hat trick himself.

November 2018: Ovechkin Applauds Carey Price's Save

In November 2018, during a game against the Montreal Canadiens, Alexander Ovechkin applauded Carey Price's sprawling save on his shot in the dying seconds of the third period, demonstrating respect for the opposing goaltender.

2018: Supporting the Russian President

In 2018, Alexander Ovechkin showed support for Russia and their president, claiming it was not about political stuff.

2018: 2018 Russian presidential elections

In 2018, there were reports that the IMA-Consulting held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections.

April 2019: Gretzky Cheers for Ovechkin

In April 2019, Wayne Gretzky expressed his support for Alexander Ovechkin to break his career goals record, stating his desire to be the first to congratulate Ovechkin if he achieves it.

May 2020: Birth of second son

In May 2020, Alexander Ovechkin and his wife had their second son.

September 2020: Malkin gives speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party

In September 2020, Evgeni Malkin gave a speech at Alexander Ovechkin's 35th birthday party, indicating that the two are very close friends again.

May 2021: Reported investment in the 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: Studying for Doctor of Sciences

By June 2021, Alexander Ovechkin was studying for a Doctor of Sciences, the Russian equivalent of a PhD, in the field of Pedagogical Sciences.

July 2021: Ovechkin signs contract extension with Capitals

On July 27, 2021, Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals.

2021: Price's Injury in 2021 Stanley Cup Finals

In 2021, Carey Price sustained a knee injury during the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, leading to his absence and subsequent recovery, which was a factor in Ovechkin's later display of respect.

February 2022: Possible relinquished stake in Washington Spirit

In February 2022, it was unclear whether Alexander Ovechkin retained his stake in the Washington Spirit after the club was sold.

February 2022: Called for Peace After Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 25, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Ovechkin called for peace and an end to the war without directly mentioning Russia or Ukraine.

April 2022: Ovechkin Shows Respect for Carey Price

In April 2022, Alexander Ovechkin showed respect and admiration for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who was returning from injury and personal struggles, by giving him a fist bump during a game.

May 2022: Reiterated support for Putin

In May 2022, Alexander Ovechkin reiterated his support for Vladimir Putin and retained the Russian president on his Instagram profile photo.

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

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

2024: Ovi's Crazy 8's program reaches over 5,700 individuals

As of 2024, through Alexander Ovechkin's 'Ovi's Crazy 8's' program, over 5,700 individuals have had the opportunity to see a Capitals game free of charge.

February 2025: Coach Carbery Remarks on Ovechkin's Passing Abilities

On 9 February 2025, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Alexander Ovechkin's passing abilities, noting that everyone focuses on his shot, but he also has excellent playmaking skills.

March 2025: Partnership with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation

In March 2025, Alexander Ovechkin announced a partnership with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer for every goal he scores as he approached breaking the all-time goal-scoring record.