Ovechkin’s parents Mikhail and Tatyana pose with the orphans (Photo: Pavel Lysenkov/Sovetsky Sport)

Caps captain Alex Ovechkin has never shied away from charitable work. From participating in the Caps’ Make-A-Wish efforts to playing in charity preseason games annually in Russia, Ovi never misses an opportunity to help those less fortunate. Plus, we can’t forget his date with Ann earlier this season. But some of his secretive charity efforts behind the scenes are just now becoming public.

Pavel Lysenkov of Sovetsky Sport has revealed that Alex Ovechkin has quietly been supporting as many as seven orphanages in different regions of Russia.

It appears that Ovechkin’s mother, Tatyana, chose today to reveal her son’s charitable contributions to the media. It also seems like Alex himself may not be pleased with that work becoming public.

Here’s a quote from Tatyana Ovechkina via Lysenkov, who, along with camera crews from multiple national TV channels, visited one of the orphanages for special needs children for whom Ovechkin provided the hockey rink and equipment, located in Novopetrovskoye, 55 miles Northwest of Moscow:

“Sashka has been supporting children throughout his career. He’s a kind, decent person. He always supports people when they’re struggling. Recently, my son supported a sports school in Mordovia, contributing hockey equipment for them too. Sasha patronizes six orphanages and this one in Novopetrovskoye is the seventh where he fully provided equipment for a hockey team. It’s a great idea not only for athletes, but also the oligarchs. We’re calling for support for the kids who need family-like, warm treatment. If somebody has an opportunity, please support Sasha in this action.

“We’re very proud of our son. But after we talk to you, Sashka will say: ‘Mom, what are you doing? Why would you need this? I did a good thing and that’s it. Why would you want to talk to the TV camera about that?’

“What will I answer to him? I’ll just say: ‘Sasha, the message is not only for you to do it, but many other people.’ We need to bring the good to the kids. What else we can do? So many grow up without a mom and a dad.

But my son won’t compliment me for talking about all of this.”

The video, filmed by Lysenkov, shows children hit the ice on a brand-new rink wearing newly-designed uniforms of Ovi’s KHL team, Dynamo Moscow. Just behind the boards is a big Bauer “Own The Moment” ad showing Ovechkin saying: “Celebrate as hard as you practice.”

Ovechkin’s parents brought one of the bags to the rink and showed the new equipment to the kids.

The director of a boarding school, Igor Egorev, says that Ovechkin visited them this summer. He says that Ovi has promised him to come back next year.

“If he doesn’t come, we will show up at his place,” Egorev joked. “We know where he lives now”.