Russia defeated Finland 3-0 on Thursday and advanced to the World Cup of Hockey semifinals where they’ll play Canada.
In the front row of Air Canada Center, Alex Ovechkin was rooted on by four special Caps jersey-wearing fans, two of which had to go to great lengths to make it to the game.
“We skipped school to see Ovie,” read a tiny fan’s yellow sign. “Don’t tell our teacher.”
The family was featured on the jumbotron where they got a loud applause. The NHLPA posted the photo on Instagram and included the caption, “We won’t tell.”
The sign was also featured during ESPN’s live telecast and Instagram user @yurydud snapped a pic. The post was later liked by Evgeny Kuznetsov.
@yurydud’s caption read, “These American or Canadian kids did the right thing.”
The children likely got a thrill of a lifetime in the second period. Ovechkin made the most scintillating play of the game, authoring a beautiful pass to Vladimir Tarasenko for a lay-up goal.
🍎 @ovi8 #CapsWCH #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/Kz5CixzG8l
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 22, 2016
Russia will play next Saturday against arch-nemesis Canada.
“It’s going to be a fun game,” Alex Ovechkin said. “It’s nice to be a part of obviously. Two teams with a great history. Again, it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be hard because we play here in Canada. But it’s going to be fun, fun game.”
.@russiahockey advances to the #WCH2016 semi-finals vs. @HockeyCanada! #CapsWCH pic.twitter.com/EGQpYsmxEi
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 22, 2016
P.S. – If anyone knows this family please have them reach out to us.
