Alex Ovechkin, renowned for his milestone 895th goal, celebrates while his past support for Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine draw scrutiny.
Ovechkin’s Record-Setting Goal Sparks Controversy Amid Ongoing War
Ovechkin’s Record-Setting Goal Sparks Controversy Amid Ongoing War
The hockey star’s latest achievement highlights his ties to Putin and raises questions about his political stance.
In a moment celebrated across the sports world, Russian ice hockey player Alex Ovechkin broke the N.H.L. goal-scoring record, netting his 895th goal during a game against the New York Islanders in Elmont, New York. This remarkable feat garnered a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called it an achievement that fans across Russia and the globe could celebrate.
Ovechkin, 39, has been a cornerstone of the Washington Capitals since 2005, but his accolades are now intertwined with his past political affiliations. His history of overt support for Putin, particularly with his social media initiative #PutinTeam launched ahead of Russia’s elections, has resurfaced in light of this latest achievement. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin's reaction remained vague, leading to criticism for not condemning the conflict outright.
After scoring, he declared “Russia, we did it!” to a mix of online applause and backlash. Russian media hailed Ovechkin as a source of national pride amid global tensions. Pro-Putin commentators have used Ovechkin’s success to bolster narratives of resilience and pride among Russian athletes.
Despite his accomplishments on the ice, Ovechkin has not represented Russia in international competitions since 2019, as the International Ice Hockey Federation has banned the national team from sporting events following the outbreak of war. The political implications of athletic success and national pride continue to stir debate within the context of international sport in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
