Athletistic / Hockey. In the current conditions of contradictions and open conflict with the West, Russian sport finds itself partially isolated and simmering in its own juice. In many sports, Russian athletes cannot participate in international competitions, even in a neutral status, which is considered by many to be humiliating. Therefore, any Russian athlete playing abroad is widely written about in the media, experts discuss him, and fans talk about him.
The NHL stands out. The North American League has adopted the rules of the game, closing the Russian version of its official website and banning Russian hockey players from bringing the Stanley Cup to their country. However, not a single Russian player has been kicked out of the NHL for political reasons. Russians bring money to the league, many of them are stars at their clubs and fan favorites. What can we say about Alexander Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals captain is the face of the entire NHL, and perhaps everyone knows about his quest for Wayne Gretzky’s record.
All the more surprising and resonant were the words of the famous traveler Fyodor Konyukhov about Ovechkin. The browser reproached the hockey player for wanting to make money and actually accused Ovi of betraying his homeland because of his performances in the United States.
— I have a bad attitude towards Ovechkin. And I wouldn’t shake his hand! Because it occurs in the USA. And he doesn’t think about Russia, but only about how to make more money for himself. And now he must play in Russia, glorifying our homeland! Of course, Ovechkin will not surpass any Gretzky! I don’t respect him as an athlete either.“, Konyukhov said in an interview with Match TV.
Photo source: konyukhov.ru
It is important to note that Ovechkin is the most unexpected candidate who could fall under Konyukhov’s hot hand. Throughout his career, Alexander joined the Russian national team whenever possible. Ovi crossed the Atlantic to participate in games 1-2 of the world championship, arrived in the national team injured and wanted to leave the NHL without permission for the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang (South Korea).
After the start of the SVO, some Russian hockey players playing in the NHL do not come to their home country in the summer. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov even took the liberty of criticizing the state, admitting that he would never return to Moscow again. But Ovechkin is the exact opposite of the above. Alexander spends all his vacations with his family in Russia, has not deleted photos shared with Russian President Vladimir Putin from social networks and declares in all interviews that after finishing his career he will return to live in his native country.
The reaction from famous figures in the world of sport is remarkable. The vast majority of them supported Alexander Ovechkin and were very surprised by Fyodor Konyukhov’s comments. Perhaps it was the legendary Tatiana Tarasova who spoke most clearly.
— Russia is always written next to Ovechkin, the name of our country is announced and there is a Russian flag. There can’t even be conversations – Alexander represents Russia. <...> Konyukhov needs to think before saying such thingsTarasova told Match TV.
Photo source: KHL
Ovechkin himself and his entourage have not yet commented on Konyukhov’s criticism. Knowing Alexander, he will treat the traveler’s words with irony and will not attach much importance to them. For two and a half years now, the hockey player has successfully avoided questions from North American journalists on politics. There is much less information here.
Alexander Ovechkin has been performing in the United States since the fall of 2005. During his NHL career, he scored 853 goals and won the Stanley Cup. At the end of the 2023/2024 season, the gap between the Big Eight and Wayne Gretzky’s NHL regular season goals record is 41 goals. Ovi’s contract with Washington is valid for two more seasons and the Russian therefore has every chance of writing his name in the history of world sport. If this happens, then Ovechkin, as always, will represent not only himself, but also the whole of Russia. This means that it will glorify our country.
Nikita Serbakov, Athletistic
Source: Sport
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
