Alex Ovechkin took the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Wednesday for the first time since breaking the NHL goals record. And he received a hero’s welcome.
With every seat in the bleachers filled up, Capitals fans gave Ovechkin a huge roar as he stepped onto the sheet at 10:30 am. The cheering was more high-pitched than usual thanks to 895 kids from Arlington County Public Schools who were invited to attend the GR895 Kids Day Practice.
Honored by the reception, the NHL’s goals king raised his stick to show his appreciation.
The rambunctious practice featured the Capitals skating on both rinks and doing drills to prepare for their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. The team plans to honor Ovechkin further that night with a pregame ceremony before puck drop.
Once their work had come to a close, the Capitals saluted the crowd and waved before leaving the ice. Ovechkin skated near the glass to say thank you up close to the kids.
He then re-enacted his 895th-goal celebration from Sunday by doing a huge belly flop while his teammates looked on from near the benches.
What a moment.
