NHL superstar and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin is adored in both Russia and America. A jersey with the hockey player's last name can be seen in any arena in the world. And against this background, Ovechkin is accused of a complete lack of patriotism and love for the Motherland. How is this even possible?
Everyone loves Ovechkin except HasekAlexander continues to chase Wayne Gretzky's seemingly eternal record for goals scored in regular NHL championships. He is only 42 goals away from surpassing the legendary Canadian's achievement. And now there is a complete feeling that he will succeed, despite his age and other circumstances.
The battle between Ovechkin and Gretzky is the main topic in North America. Many NHL fans even consider this a more global and important event than the Stanley Cup. And for the league itself, this is an incredible opportunity to promote hockey to a wide audience. Still, not everyone follows the NHL, but the vast majority of people on the planet know Ovechkin.
Despite the political situation, there are practically no complaints against Alexander on both sides of the ocean. One can only remember the rabid Czech Dominik Hasek, who, in his hatred of everything Russian, seems to be rapidly losing his mind. But if we talk about adequate and mentally healthy people, then Ovechkin was and remains a real idol for them.
“Because he is performing in America!” With such input, the world hockey star was suddenly accused of dislike for his native country and expressed total disrespect for the athlete. Moreover, this was done not in America, but in Russia. The author of the loud scandal was the famous traveler Fyodor Konyukhov, who alone completed five voyages around the world and holds several Guinness records.
“»I have a bad attitude towards him. And I wouldn’t shake hands with Ovechkin! Because he performs in America. And he doesn’t think about Russia, but only about how to earn more money for himself. But we need to play in Russia, glorify our Motherland ! Of course, Ovechkin will not overtake any Gretzky! I don’t respect him as an athlete. Then let him return to the KHL and play in front of our fans! Then we’ll see what a patriot he is!” — Match TV quotes him as saying.
Who would have thought that Ovechkin would receive a stab in the back from his own compatriots. And not from anyone, but from a living travel legend. Konyukhov's claims look rather strange. To reproach Sasha for not loving his Motherland means not understanding much of what is happening. Firstly, he always came to the national team for the World Championships in any emotional and physical state. Secondly, he constantly returns to Russia during the summer break. And in general, he takes advantage of every opportunity to visit the country where he grew up and where he will probably live after finishing his NHL career. Which, by the way, he himself hinted at more than once. Russia is home, America is work.
And it is unreasonable to blame him for the fact that he performs in the USA. Ovechkin glorifies Russian sports in the world with his records and excellent play. After all, objectively, the NHL is currently stronger than the KHL, absolutely everyone in our country admits this, so what’s the point of blaming a hockey player for wanting to play at the highest level? I would like to believe that Konyukhov will eventually change his mind, understand the situation and happily greet Ovechkin somewhere in the Russian expanses after Gretzky’s record is destroyed.