Alex Ovechkin made his highly anticipated return to the ice on Wednesday, marking his first skate in more than a month. The NHL star appeared without his usual beard or visor as he prepared for the upcoming charity event in Moscow, aiming simply to get through the session after a lengthy absence.
Light Practice Session Prepares Players for Charity Match
Wearing a blue jersey emblazoned with the event’s “Match of the Year” logo and his number 8, Ovechkin participated in a brief practice that involved stretching, light shooting drills, three-on-three scrimmage, and penalty shots. This preparation was in anticipation of the charity game scheduled for July 13 at Moscow’s CSKA Arena, where NHL stars will face off against top players from the KHL league.
Ovechkin Jokes About Returning to the Ice
Just off a flight from Turkey, Ovechkin lightened the mood before training by joking about his readiness to skate again.
“I just flew in from Turkey. The most important thing for me is that I don’t get killed today!”
he said, showing his usual sense of humor as reported by Championat.
Charity Game Features Russian NHL and KHL Stars
The event, organized by Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev, showcases Russian talent from both the NHL and KHL. It aims to raise funds for charity, having collected over 10 million rubles (around $127,000) during last year’s edition. The matchup promises exciting competition on home ice with a strong lineup representing both leagues.
Notable Rosters Announced for NHL and KHL Sides
The NHL team includes stars such as Ovechkin from Washington, Kirill Kaprizov of Minnesota, Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin from the Rangers, and Andrei Vasilevskiy representing Tampa Bay. Other names like Dmitry Orlov, Andrei Svechnikov, and Pavel Buchnevich complete the distinguished roster.
The KHL squad features players like Vadim Shipachev from Dynamo Minsk, Vladimir Tkachev, Alexander Radulov from Lokomotiv, and Nikolai Goldobin representing Spartak. Key players such as Nikita Nesterov from CSKA and Vitaly Kravtsov of Traktor add further depth to the Russian team.
Ovechkin Reflects on the Event’s Atmosphere and Purpose
Ovechkin described the charity game as a celebration for players and fans alike.
“You could say it’s the All-Star Game,”
he remarked.
“The fans come and enjoy themselves. And we enjoy ourselves, too. We don’t have too much time to spend with the guys. We communicate and enjoy the game and the event itself.”
Following his skating session, Ovechkin took time to sign autographs for children, emphasizing the warmth and community spirit surrounding the charity event.
Significance of the Charity Match for Russian Hockey
The charity game not only offers a rare chance for NHL and KHL stars to compete on Russian soil but also contributes meaningfully to good causes. With proceeds supporting charitable efforts and the involvement of high-profile players like Ovechkin, this matchup is poised to become a highlight of the summer hockey calendar in Moscow, fostering goodwill and engaging fans nationwide.