At last year’s All-Star draft in Columbus, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin went on a passionate, and at times bizarre, quest to get picked last and win a new car. Ovechkin, who already has a fleet of sport and luxury vehicles at home, did not need another automobile. Viewers at home thought it was a long, elaborate joke.
In the end however, Ovechkin’s quest to win a free car was one of the most charitable and kind moments of the NHL season. Ovechkin was not picked last, but when Honda learned of his idea– to donate the car to Ann Schaab and the American Special Hockey Association’s Washington Ice Dogs — the car company happily agreed to do so, setting up an event a month later at a local dealership.
In interviews with ASHA officials and volunteers, I learned that Ovechkin’s gesture had a profound and long-lasting impact on the team and the organization that benefits special needs hockey players.
- The Washington Ice Dogs actually did not end up keeping the car Ovechkin gave them. Instead, they maximized its value. The Ice Dogs gave it to the American Special Hockey Association who raffled it off to benefit every one who participates in Special Hockey. The raffle brought in $30,000.
- Ovi’s efforts attracted an unprecedented amount of attention to Special Hockey. Some people donated funds independent of the raffle, such as a $5,000 grant awarded to Ice Dogs from an independent foundation.
- Most of the funds raised were used to create eight new programs across the country. Those teams include: Southeast Wisconsin Pirates, West Chester PA Cougars, Flyers Youth, Happy Valley Beavers, Hershey Heroes, York PA Polar Bears, Ice House Hawks (Binghamton, NY), and the Chautauqua County Lakers (Jamestown, NY).
- The Ice Dogs added six new players and several new mentors.
- The American Hockey League Association gained a medical consultant, Cindy Fleet.
- Fleet, out of the goodness of her heart, donated a van to the Ice Dogs. Fleet was inspired by Ovechkin’s efforts and knew a van could effectively transport players and equipment. The van is wrapped with photos to advertise the Ice Dogs and Special Hockey. Ann and three other players are pictured.
- The four local Special Hockey teams in this area– the Nova Cool Cats, Montgomery Cheetahs, Baltimore Saints, and Washington Ice Dogs –were given $3,000 each. The Ice Dogs are using some of that that money to give scholarships to players who can’t afford the fees, but would benefit from participating in Special Hockey. This is huge because, as Melissa Schaab explains, financial challenges are an unfortunate secondary condition for some individuals and families dealing with disability.
- Another chunk of money is being used to offset the costs of traveling to Ohio in February for the annual UCT Special Hockey Tournament. Again, there are players who can’t afford the added expense of traveling and tournament fees get to experience games, traveling on a team bus, and the whole tournament experience in general. The Ice Dogs are covering the cost of the bus for all the players.
- The Washington Ice Dogs gained a communications director, Stacie Manger, who saw the All-Star Game last year and volunteered her expertise.
- Aside from financial and other forms of support, the biggest gain was the recognition and respect for Special Hockey and its athletes. People with developmental or intellectual disabilities can sometimes be marginalized and Ovi’s spotlight changed that for players.
- Ovechkin now donates some of his tickets from Ovi’s Crazy 8s to Special Hockey. The organization spreads out the tickets so many kids can see a live hockey game for the first time, which I’m told is a hugely positive and uplifting experience.
- For those who wonder if Ovechkin’s bond with Ann Schaab (he granted her date request last season) is for the cameras only, it’s not. I was told Ovechkin has been disappointed when Ann hasn’t come to games (so that her teammates could go in her place).
Even the most cynical hockey fan cannot deny that Ovechkin’s efforts in promoting Special Hockey has done something real and tangible for hundreds of less fortunate families. Not only has Ovechkin’s talent captivated hockey fans in this area, he’s also made special needs children happier by getting them on the ice.
At the car dealership last February, Ovi said that if an individual can do something to help, they should. Not only did he help Special Hockey with the car and funding, he compelled others to contribute their funds, time, and talents. He gave his passion to others.
And that’s what philantrophy is all about.
