Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin arrived in China on Sunday to begin his five days in the Middle Kingdom. Ovechkin will be serving as an ambassador of the NHL to help grow the game in Asia.
The future Hall of Famer arrived in China around midnight Eastern Time and was greeted by throngs of fans at the airport. Ovechkin signed autographs, took photos, and high-fived fans.
🚨 GR8 IN CHINA 🚨 pic.twitter.com/H0rMulNwmw
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
“Hey, guys. I’m here in China,” Ovechkin said. “I’m really excited to be here for five days. I can’t wait to see the town and meet up with the people and enjoy my time. See you soon and best of luck.”
The Capitals’ Twitter account posted video of adorable children giving Ovi a Chinese welcome.
An authentic welcome for #Gr8inChina
欢迎来到中国,奥八爷! pic.twitter.com/5axIjnGyUI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
Here are more photos from the Capitals’ account at the airport.
View this post on InstagramA warm welcome from the people in Beijing for @aleksandrovechkinofficial 🤩 #Gr8inChina
A post shared by Washington Capitals (@capitals) on
Six hours after departing the airport, Ovechkin dropped the ceremonial first puck between ORG vs. Kunlun Red Stars in front of a smattering of fans.
Ceremonial puck drop in Beijing for ORG vs. Kunlun Red Stars 🏒 pic.twitter.com/fuucdJbXYz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
The game was part of the Renaissance Hockey Cup in Beijing at ORG Arena.
We have special guests to drop the puck for today's game. @ovi8 🤩 pic.twitter.com/VCSh1Eu3Gn
— Kunlun Red Star (@KRSchina) August 4, 2019
Ovi again met with fans and took photos with players from each team.
Ceremonial puck drop ☑️
Photos with fans ☑️
Gifted a traditional bull jade carving ☑️A great first day for #Gr8inChina pic.twitter.com/ZHzGGE1UPI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
He also received a traditional jade carving of an ox from Mr. Zhou Yunjie of ORG Packaging as a gift because he was born during the Chinese Year of the Ox. This is a great gesture, but I’m sorry, but this is a missed opportunity to gift him a goat.
Yes. Yes he is.
“OVI IS AWESOME!” | Ovi真棒! pic.twitter.com/upqJkqhD3k
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
📍 BEIJING!@Ovi8 arrives 🛬 for a week long trip to China 🇨🇳 where he'll serve as an @NHL Ambassador#Gr8inChina | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/gFiXOqKbTp
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 4, 2019
Headline photo: @Capitals
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