The Washington Capitals got in the holiday spirit by holding a gift-wrapping competition among players. The video, released by the team on Tuesday, showed the Capitals’ young players struggling to wrap an Alex Ovechkin snow globe as a Christmas gift. The collector’s item is available in the team’s holiday packs this year.
While the video showcased the players’ lack of strategy with wrapping paper, it also showed Ivan Miroshnichenko’s affection for his hockey idol, Alex Ovechkin.
“My second dad,” Miroshnichenko said proudly, holding up Snovi.
apparently wrapping a stick doesn’t translate to wrapping presents pic.twitter.com/lhbg1L3Wa4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 10, 2024
Miro’s comment comes several weeks after Ovechkin sure did look like a father figure after the young Russian scored in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 25. Ovechkin, unable to play due to a fractured fibula, clapped and smiled proudly in the tunnel after Miroshnichenko hustled to score an empty-net goal late in the third period — his first tally in the NHL since March 13 against the Edmonton Oilers last season.
Miroshnichenko, who shoots right but plays on the left wing just like Ovechkin, has many of the same tendencies as the Capitals captain; he’s hard-hitting, has a big shot, and has a lot of personality. Ovechkin also translated one of Miroshnichenko’s first interviews with the media.
As for the wrapping contest, I’d advise the players to request a box next time before being willing to participate or you’ll be left with a wacky wrap job like Hendrix Lapierre.
“I… don’t think it’s great,” Hendrix Lapierre said.
