On Sunday, Alex Ovechkin participated in the yearly Match of the Year, a charity hockey game held at Moscow’s CSKA Arena. This event, organized by Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev, features Russian <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL players competing against stars from the KHL. Before the game began, Ovechkin was recognized for surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record during the recent season.
Milestone Moment Highlighted with Special Introduction
As both teams took to the ice, Ovechkin received a dedicated introduction celebrating his achievement. Fans watched highlights from his career, including his time with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL and his goal-scoring feats with the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin scored his 895th goal against the New York Islanders on April 6, breaking Gretzky’s longstanding record.
On-Ice Honors and Gift of a New Vehicle
Ovechkin greeted the cheering crowd by waving and applauding, then exchanged fist bumps with players on both sides. The organizers presented him with a new car, driving it onto the ice as a special tribute. The vehicle, identified as a Jetour T2 4×4 Premium SUV, was given to the 39-year-old hockey star as a gift during the event.
Alexander Ovechkin received a car as a gift from the organizers of the the NHL vs KHL Russian stars charity game in Moscow. #ALLCAPS @Capitals pic.twitter.com/3HUQrPBoqz
— Daria Tuboltseva
Ovechkin’s Known Passion for Cars
This was not the first time Ovechkin received a car as a present. In 2023, at the KHL’s end-of-season awards, he was gifted a Lada Niva Travel. Known as “The Great 8,” Ovechkin has shared that collecting cars is one of his main hobbies, despite his parents questioning the size of his collection.
[It’s my] main hobby, my dream, and there is nothing I can do about it,
The more [cars] the better, but in fact my parents already tell me: ‘Sasha, why do you need so many?’
— Alex Ovechkin
Previous Experiences with Receiving Cars
Ovechkin’s enthusiasm for cars also showed at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, where he campaigned to be the final pick in the draft to earn a sympathy prize car. Although he was selected third from the last by Patrick Kane, he was still awarded a 2015 Honda Accord after the event. Demonstrating generosity, Ovechkin then donated the car to Ann Schaab and the Washington Ice Dogs of the American Special Hockey Association.
Significance of the Honor and What Lies Ahead
Recognition of Ovechkin’s achievement with a new car at a high-profile charity game in Moscow highlights his lasting impact on hockey both in Russia and internationally. His milestone continues to inspire fans and players, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s greatest goal scorers. As Ovechkin advances in his career, this celebration cements his legacy and raises anticipation for future accomplishments.