Photo: IG
On Saturday Washington Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Dmitry Orlov took part in a charity game in Moscow, Russia. The event was organized by Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers.
All proceeds from the game will go to the Panarin Foundation to help a 6-year-old child named Elisey Artamonov, who had complications after brain surgery. Elisey is undergoing a lengthy neurorehabilitation at the Gutman Institute in Barcelona, Spain.
#ALLCAPS Alexander Ovechkin ✍️ a poster for a fan at the charity event meet-up. pic.twitter.com/vPtBGUtrNL
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) July 30, 2022
Russian Rally
Other hockey players from both the NHL and KHL participating in the match, besides Ovechkin, Orlov, and Panarin, were: Pavel Buchnevich (St. Lous Blues) Vladislav Gavrikov (Columbus Blue Jackets), Ilya Lyubushkin (Buffalo Sabres), Alexander Radulov (KHL but recently with Dallas Stars), Vadim Shipachev (KHL), Vasily Podkolzin (KHL), Ivan Prosvetov (Arizona Coyotes), Vyacheslav Voynov (KHL), Klim Kostin (St. Lous Blues), and Yegor Chinakhov (Columbus Blue Jackets). Ovechkin was the captain of the “light” team and Panarin was the captain of the “dark” team.
Other Russians involved in showbiz also participated in the match including Azamat Musagaliev, Nurlan Saburov, and Tambi Masaev. Valeri Nichushkin, who was part of the Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup winning team and recently signed an eight-year contract extension, attended the game but could not participate as he is still on crutches after breaking his foot during the Stanley Cup Finals.
#NYR Artemi Panarin, #ALLCAPS Alexander Ovechkin, Dmitry Orlov, #Canucks Vasily Podkolzin, #GoAvsGo Valeri Nichushkin + meet before their charity game today.
Charity will benefit the Artemi Panarin Fund who is raising money for a little girl who needs surgery. pic.twitter.com/lH4haW6iwD
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) July 30, 2022
The score of the game was 10-10, which went to a shootout to decide. However, the shootout itself also ended in a draw. Ovechkin converted on his attempt.
Panarin was asked how he invited Ovi.
“How did you invite Ovechkin? I just called. He immediately said, ‘I agree.’ In all honesty, it surprised me. I was very happy. He called me here a couple of days before the match, I got scared because I thought he would refuse.”
#ALLCAPS Alexander Ovechkin skates around with his son Ilya before the charity game. pic.twitter.com/mmVtf0ioIX
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) July 30, 2022
After the match, Dmitry Orlov, in a conversation with journalists, expressed his sadness at the departure of goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov from the Capitals as the team had not made him a qualifying offer.
“Of course it’s sad for a Russian to leave the team. But now he has a new chapter in his life, good luck to him. As for Miroshnichenko’s choice in the first round, I’m happy with him. Again, a Russian man in the team, God forbid, chose to start training. We’re waiting for him in Washington.”
He also discussed how he was invited to the charity match and his current physical condition.
“Artemi personally invited me to the game. I immediately accepted, which is good. Charities should be done more often. I know Artemy played last year, he did well. I feel good physically, I train for it. For a long time. I’m happy with my current form, but I need to shed a few extra pounds. Preparations are going according to plan. I’m going to fly somewhere to the US at the end of August, it’s okay.”
(News obtained from Ria Novosti, Sports Express)
Sergei Ovechkin got in a little work after the game. 🙂
ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM THE EVENT:
Photos: IG: @Mashanahapetova
By Diane Doyle
Nice thing to do. However if you are going to raie money how about raising some for the destroyed lives in the Ukraine!! Would be nice to show that despite what government does the players know who needs help the most!
Panarin returning to Russia is a bold move.
Any of them returning and/or staying is bold and risky.
at least he wore his Caps shorts cause those sweater colors looked so wrong on Ovi