This afternoon, Alex Ovechkin continued his annual tradition of skating with 60-plus children from the American Special Hockey Association. Before taking the ice, Ovechkin made some time to hang out with star Washington Ice Dogs player (and one-time sushi date), Ann Schaab. In an adorable moment inside the locker room, Schaab presented the Russian machine with a children’s book entitled Drop the Puck, Let’s Play Hockey written by Jayne J. Jones Beehler. The friendship between Ovechkin and Schaab inspired the character in the book named Ann.

Ann signed the book as Ovechkin cradled it open for her. I guarantee this will now become Ovi’s new most prized collectible.

Proceeds from book sales over the next two weeks will all benefit ASHA so basically you should go buy it right now.

Ovechkin has had a long-standing relationship with the American Special Hockey Association. Ovi began hosting these sessions three years ago and famously donated a Honda to the organization after the 2015 All-Star Game. Ovechkin’s charity work with ASHA has also helped massively grow the hockey league and open it to more kids. Eight new teams have been started recently. There are currently more than 60 ASHA programs in more than 54 cities throughout the United States. For his work, Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award last season.

Photos

Ann was very generous to sign the book for Ovi.

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @ABC7Hughes

Schaab’s page in the book is what she signed for Ovechkin.

Photo: @TomGulittiNHL

The skate has begun!

Photo: @ABC7Hughes

Photo: @nelsonjwttg5

The association also presented Ovechkin with the 2016 Inspiration Award for his encouragement and dedication to support their programs.

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Photo: @CapitalsPR

Thank you, @ovi8 and the @Capitals for skating and playing with us today! #hockeyisforeveryone pic.twitter.com/oAVuSSYZxT

— Washington Ice Dogs (@IceDogsSHW) October 21, 2016