Photos: Melissa Schaab

In January’s issue of the Washingtonian magazine, Alex Ovechkin received, in my opinion, one of his greatest accolades. He was named, along with 12 others, Washingtonian Of The Year. But it wasn’t for what you might think.

Ovechkin’s a sure-fire hockey hall of famer. He’s also the most accomplished local athlete and broken multiple records this season, including the Russian NHL goal record previously held by former Capital Sergei Fedorov. But it was Ovechkin’s charity work and impact on Special Hockey that was highlighted.

Back in September 2014, Ovechkin hosted a private skate with 60 children with developmental disabilities. It was on that day Ovechkin met Ann Schaab, who confidently asked him out on a date. Ovechkin granted Ann’s request. Months later, the Russian machine won a car at the 2015 All-Star Game for Schaab’s special hockey team, the Washington Ice Dogs.

Ovechkin’s interactions haven’t ended there. He invited Ann to the locker room after the Capitals’ game seven win against the Islanders, which included this massive hug. He walked down the red carpet with Ann before the Caps’ 2015-16 home opener. He hosted another skate with special hockey and presented the organization $30,000 on behalf of the Capitals. He’s even given away tickets to special hockey players as part of Ovechkin’s Crazy 8’s program.

Via the Washingtonian’s article:

Rockville lawyer Dan Goldman’s son plays with the Cheetahs. “Just the chance to go out and play a sport like other kids is huge,” he says. “For my son, it was a connection to a bigger world — he got a high-five from Ovi, then we went to a Caps game, and saw Ovi in the middle of a packed Verizon Center.” Benzi Goldman felt like he’d scored.

That’s what it’s all about.