Alex Luey, Capitals fan Battling Cancer For the Second Time, Joins Capitals at Scotiabank Arena, Reunites With Alex Ovechkin

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Michael Fleetwood

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Photo: Christine Simpson

Over the years, there have been some stories in hockey and the NHL that prove to be far more important than just the game itself, and when it comes to Capitals fan Alex Luey, a cancer survivor who is currently fighting the fight once again, that statement is an accurate one. His relationship with Caps captain Alex Ovechkin is well-documented and the 15-year old Ontario native joined The Great Eight and Capitals at Scotiabank Arena for the Capitals’ game against the Maple Leafs.

Back in November 2017, Ovechkin famously scored a hat trick against the Maple Leafs after promising Luey, who had part of his right leg amputated after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (a cancer within the bone) the previous year, he would score a goal for him. However, in late 2018, it was announced that Alex’s cancer had returned, and in May of this year, Alex’s father Scott mentioned in a tweet that the cancer is untreatable.

Despite the adversity, Alex and his family were granted a day pass from McMaster Children’s Hospital in Ontario to attend tonight’s game at Scotiabank Arena, where Alex was able to catch up with Ovechkin and the Capitals.

Before the game, Alex announced the starting lineup for Head Coach Todd Reirden, and before the team headed for the ice, gave each member of the team a fist bump.

Alex was also visited by Maple Leafs’ legend Wendel Clark, with Alex’ father Scott sharing a photo of the Hockey Hall of Famer posing for a picture with the family.

Prior to the game, Alex posed for a picture with Ovechkin, who visited with Alex last season when the Caps visited Toronto.

On Alex’s 15th birthday on October 1, Ovechkin tweeted a Happy Birthday message to his young friend, encouraging his followers to donate to the Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital, which was requested by Alex in place of presents.

After the Capitals’ 4-3 overtime win against Toronto, Alex Luey was presented with the Capitals’ game batting helmet, given to the Player of the Game.

Alex Luey’s story and relationship with the Capitals’ captain proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that hockey is more than just a sport, and that there are things bigger than the game itself. A lesson that everyone can take from.

By Michael Fleetwood

About Michael Fleetwood

Michael Fleetwood was born into a family of diehard Capitals fans and has been watching games as long as he can remember. He was born the year the Capitals went to their first Stanley Cup Final, and is a diehard Caps fan, the owner of the very FIRST Joe Beninati jersey and since then, has met Joe himself. Michael joined the NoVa Caps team in 2015, and is most proud of the growth of the NoVa Caps community in that time. An avid photographer, Michael resides in VA.
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2 Responses to Alex Luey, Capitals fan Battling Cancer For the Second Time, Joins Capitals at Scotiabank Arena, Reunites With Alex Ovechkin

  1. Pingback: #LueyStrongForever: Capitals Fan Alex Luey Loses Battle With Cancer | NoVa Caps

  2. Pingback: #LueyStrongForever: Capitals Fan Alex Luey Passes Away | NoVa Caps

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