Screen cap: Twitter: @Capitals
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin returned to the U.S. Wednesday morning after spending last week in his home country of Russia. Ovechkin was in Russia to tend to his ailing father, who passed away a week ago today.
Ovechkin said he rushed from the airport this morning and straight to the Capitals practice facility. He said he was eager to get back after last week. He was the first player on the ice for Capitals practice.
Alex Ovechkin back on the ice for Capitals practice today pic.twitter.com/KSg0VtKGUl
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 22, 2023
Ovechkin met with the media following the team’s practice Wednesday afternoon.
“It was probably toughest situation I’ve been through my whole NHL career…it’s life and we move on. Thanks everybody for support back home and here,” he said.
Ovechkin was asked about his father’s impact on his life. “He give me everything, all his health, all his time. He travel with me all over the world and been at every practice when he have a chance.”
Ovechkin said that his mother and brother would probably come to the U.S. next month. “They’re gonna stay with me and my family. We try to do the best we can in that kind of hard moment.”
As for hockey, Ovechkin said he skated once while he was in Russia. He said he hadn’t had a chance to speak with Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette, but will later today about his schedule coming up.
“I just want to come back right away, put my mind in a different position. We’re struggling right now, so I want to try to do my best to bring the energy, bring something to the team.”
FULL MEDIA SESSION:
The Capitals next host the Anaheim Ducks Thursday night at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7PM.
Love to Ovie!
I’ll bet anything he plays tomorrow. You can tell that’s what he wants.
I lost my father right after I turned 29. I had just settled into a career and was given a new assignment at work with lots of business travel. After two weeks of personal leave, I came back to work and felt like I had to relieve some of the business travel load on my team. But being so young, I didn’t know anything about personal grief and losing a family member. My supervisor at the time, god love him, took me aside and told me not to rush anything. He said there was no need to jump back into traveling, to take care of my family first and myself.
He was right. Even being back at work in the office while my co-workers traveled in my place, I still got distracted and my mind would drift….so I’m guessing Ovi can focus better, being a pro athlete, and distract himself from grief by getting back into playing. However, what I do know is that grief has no time table and it comes and goes whenever it pleases. Hopefully, having his mom and brother around will help all of them. Family comes first.
Well put, DC Scappeli.
Thanks Lance. Obviously, everyone is different and handles grief and mourning in his or her own way. just from personal experience, that damn grief can come back and haunt you at weird times, when you least expect it. I guess you never get over it, but time and distance, getting back to life helps.
His father was very supportive of Ovi being here and playing for the Caps, so by coming back and playing he is honoring his father.
Was the same with Oshie. Remember he got a hat trick in his first game back after his father’s death.
good point, getting back to playing is honoring his father. Hope the Caps get a win and help to ease an emotional burden on Ovi!