Photo: Washington Capitals
On Friday, school children from five elementary schools in Arlington, Virginia, attended the Washington Capitals’ practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex to celebrate captain Alex Ovechkin’s historic season thus far.
The children watched the Caps practice, loudly cheering on the team and in particular Ovechkin, who became the third 800-Goal scorer in the history of the NHL and the league’s second-highest goal-getter earlier this season. The former first overall pick was welcomed to a roar of cheers upon taking the ice at MedStar.
Ovi time pic.twitter.com/3q708OwaP1
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) January 13, 2023
In his 18 seasons in Washington, Ovechkin has become not only one of the city’s most iconic sports figures, but has devoted a great deal of his time to charitable causes benefiting children, particularly those who play hockey and/or special needs.
The children from the five elementary schools were on their first field trips since before the COVID-19 pandemic, however they had preceded the day out of the classroom by using the historic number of 802 (the number of goals Ovechkin reached to surpass legendary great Gordie Howe) as part of their classroom curriculum.
It’s been quite a morning @MedStarIceplex with 800+ students from @APSVirginia celebrating the @Capitals Alex Ovechkin! #Gr800Kids pic.twitter.com/G5yvSDMUhv
— MSE Foundation (@MSEFndn) January 13, 2023
Ovechkin met with the various school groups (totaling some 800 kids) after the conclusion of practice, and posed for pictures with the various classes. The reception the team and he received was not lost on the Capitals’ captain. “I knew it was going to be loud, but not that loud”, said Ovechkin after practice, “Kids, people, get involved, they get to love more hockey”, he said of the impact the day might have.
“I think it’s probably the loudest practice we’ve had since we made the Stanley Cup Final. It was fun.”
Alex Ovechkin shares his thoughts on @APSVirginia‘s field trip to practice today to celebrate him eclipsing the 800 career goals mark. #ALLCAPS | #Gr800Kids pic.twitter.com/FVjIYx5y3c
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 13, 2023
In addition to involving the Arlington kids in the continued celebration of his historic accomplishment, Ovechkin will also make a donation to the American Special Hockey Association, an organization the 37-year old has given his time to in the past. to pay for the ice time of over 100 special hockey teams throughout the country. Famed for his one-timer from the left faceoff circle (famously-called his “office”), local rinks will soon don “Ovi’s Office” logos in the same spot; Ovechkin will visit select rinks later in the 2022-23 season.
The eventful day was documented throughout social media, with attendees
(including school principals!) taking to their accounts to share their experiences.
All smiles today celebrating Ovi’s 800+ 🥅 goals. Una inolvidable oportunidad para nuestras 🐝 🐝 de 4 y 5 grado @EscuelaKeyAPS @KeyPta thank you @Caps_Slapshot @Capitals Spasiva @ovi8 @APSKEYPE @APSHPEAthletics pic.twitter.com/GADWK2QBeC
— Marleny Perdomo (@MPerdomo_KeyES) January 13, 2023
We had a great day celebrating Ovi! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Qp2jrqzpYG
— Heather Klanderman (@MsKlandermanDES) January 13, 2023
Having grown the sport of hockey in the DMV since his arrival to Washington, Ovechkin’s impact off the ice is often overlooked due to his tremendous numbers on it. Today was yet another reminder of the far-reaching legacy that the Capitals’ captain will leave whenever he hangs the skates up.
Friday vibes with 802 students at @MedStarIceplex to commemorate Alex Ovechkin surpassing 802 goals. Go, Caps, go @ovi8! @APSHPEAthletics pic.twitter.com/sWxLWfjjBp
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) January 13, 2023
By Michael Fleetwood
I’m sure it was an amazing experience for the kids.
This is awesome!
What a great idea. I wonder who came up with it.
I got to go to the zoo and a museum when I was a kid. SMH.