Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin is a Russian professional left-winger for the Washington Capitals. Born on September 17, 1985 in Moscow, Russia, Ovechkin started playing at the age of 7. Soon after, he had to quit going because of financial troubles his family was having. Luckily, the coach at the rink saw the potential in him, and insisted that he keep coming.
The greatness in athleticism must run in his family genes, though. His mother, Tatiana, while playing for the Soviet basketball team, won two Olympic golds. So far, Alex has received two trophies, including the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice Richards Trophy. He has also set the record for the most goals in the NHL for a single season. In his rookie year, he had 52 goals and 54 assists.
This great left-winger comes with a hefty salary now. Now living in Arlington, Virginia, in January of 2008, he signed a 13 year contract with the Washington Capitals. The salary totaled over $120 million, which happens to be the most valuable contract in the NHL. The Washington Capitals are the team who are known to have one of the NHL's lowest payrolls. This salary increase and others may be the reason that ticket sales for center seating has increased by $10.
This Russian-born, 22 year old does not seem to be slowing down a bit. Other than the trophies mentioned above, he has won several others for most outstanding and most valuable player, and is still on the goal. He may not be satisfied untill he gets that Stanley Cup, which he is hoping to obtain by the end of next season.
