In mid-July, Alex Ovechkin became the first NHL player to ever win an ESPY for Best Male Athlete. Ovi wasn’t there to accept the award because he was still in Russia with his wife, Nastya, who at that point was eight months pregnant with their son Sergei.
The Russian machine still made very good use of his time and got some practice in being a hockey dad.
Ovechkin filmed a commercial for CCM and had special guest take part: Dima Zverev, a young boy in remission from cancer.
The commercial celebrated International Charity Day, which is today, September 5.
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The Zverevs coordinated with the Russian equivalent of the Make a Wish foundation, The Gift to an Angel Foundation, to join Ovechkin on the ice. The foundation posted a behind-the-scenes video of the commercial shoot and it is adorable from start to finish.
First, Dima, the Ovi superfan, walks in wearing Team Russia Ovi gear.
Next, Ovechkin opens a door and surprises Dima.
After securing Dima’s new CCM helmet around his head, Ovi and the young boy play some hockey.
And finally, a hug to celebrate the occasion.
On Wednesday, CCM released the commercial on Instagram, which featured a few more sweet moments like Ovechkin signing his jersey and giving it to Dima.
In the caption, CCM Hockey Russia wrote, “Charity can be different and doesn’t necessarily need to be monetary. Sometimes giving hope can be much more valuable than money.”
Headline image: podarok_angelu
