Ice hockey sensation: Vladimir Putin sends greetings to Washington

Alexander Owetschkin and Wayne Gretzky took their arms in their arms after the historical moment, and their wives Nastya and Janet also heard on the ice. The historic 895. NHL goal of Russia’s ice hockey superstar has provided great emotions, memorable pictures and a never-ending series of prominent well-wishers.

« The Great Eight » (the great eight), as Owetschkin is called, seemed overwhelmed by the gigantic moment and, under deafening « Owi! Owi! »-called for an emotional acceptance speech. « To my mom, my family, my beautiful wife, my father -in -law, my wonderful kids: Thank you. I love you so much and without you I would never be here. »

How much the 1: 4 of Owetschkins Washington Capitals at the New York Islanders became a minor matter showed the spontaneously held ceremony on the ice after the hit of the 39 -year -old Russian. The game was interrupted for more than 20 minutes to appreciate the event for the history books.

« It means that records are set to break them, but I’m not so sure who should score more goals, » said Canada’s ice hockey legend Gretzky about Owetschkin. Statistically curious: Owetschkin needed 1487 games for his 895 goals – the 64 -year -old Gretzky has completed exactly as many games in the world’s best ice hockey league and scored only one goal.

« Papa would be so proud »

Owetschkin, who completed his entire North America career exclusively for Washington, enjoyed the special minutes after the goal for the meantime 1: 2 with his loved ones. In addition to his wife Nastya, both sons and his mom Tatyana were also on Owetschkin’s side. In a pre -produced video message, they had it done: « Papa would be so proud. » Owetschkin’s father died in 2023.

Gretzky’s record set up in 1994 was considered a record for eternity. But his successor Owetschkin brought all the properties and the necessary career time to beat this milestone. In nine seasons, Owetschkin was at the top of the NHL goal scorer list. He scored at least 20 goals in 20 seasons. « The first 500 are light, » noted Gretzky. « It is the next 500 that are really valuable – if you get a little older and the body is noticeable. »

Prominent congratulations

Various star athletes and other celebrities also paid tribute to the sports-historical afternoon. In a congratulations video, legends like Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and Michael Phelps immortalized themselves in honor of Owetschkins – as well as rapper snoop dogg and film size Danny Devito. Lebron James, who has been listing the point list of the basketball league NBA since the beginning of 2023, said: « This is an incredible achievement. I am super grateful to have experienced many of your big moments. »

Even at home, his performance was not unnoticed. Russia’s head of state Vladimir Putin personally addressed a few words to the new record holder. « Dear Alexander Owetschkin. I congratulate you on this extraordinary record. You have exceeded legends. This success is not only your personal success, but also a real ceremony for fans in Russia and abroad, » said a message published by the Kremlin.

Questionable connection to the Kremlin

The fact that the Moscow Owetschkin native maintains a good relationship with Putin exposes him more often abroad. The professional of the Washington Capitals never distanced himself from Putin and did not condemn the war of aggression against Ukraine. Because of his openly showed sympathy for the Kremlin chief, Owetschkin is considered « our husband in America » ​​in Russia’s capital.

In 2017 he founded the “Putin Team”, which supported the re -election of the Russian president a year later. According to Owetschkin’s model, the movement joined further prominent athletes. Owetschkin called for peace on the beginning of the Russian war of attack against Ukraine. But he did not criticize Putin. To date, a common picture with the Kremlin chief adorns Owetschkins Instagram account’s profits.

The ice hockey star was born in 1985 as the son of two professional athletes – the father played football, the mother basketball – and showed his great talent on the ice early on. In 2004 the club from Washington chose him first in the draft, a year later he made his debut as a professional of the capital.

In 2018 he won the Stanley Cup with the team from the capital. With the Russian selection – currently excluded by international competitions – Owetschkin became three times world champion. He was denied an Olympic medal.