Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulates NHL icon Alexander Ovechkin on goal record
The 39-year-old Russian star, who plays for the Washington Capitals, on Sunday broke a record that had stood for 26 years at a New York arena
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated star hockey player Alexander Ovechkin on his 895th NHL career goal, marking an all-time record.
“I congratulate you on your outstanding record,” Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin on Monday. “You have surpassed legendary masters in the number of goals scored in National Hockey League regular-season games.
“This achievement has become not only your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad,” Putin added.
“I wish you health, good luck and a fighting spirit to conquer new heights in life and sport.”
The 39-year old Washington Capitals ace was cheered by deafening chants of “Ovi, Ovi” by a thousands-strong crowd at a New York arena on Sunday after breaking a record previously held by Wayne Gretzky for 26 years.
Gretzky, known in ice hockey as the “Great One”, was also present at the UBS arena to witness Ovechkin’s history-making strike and spoke in tribute of the record.
