NHL star and Putin supporter Alex Ovechkin to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine

NHL star and Putin supporter Alex Ovechkin to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine

Alex Ovechkin with Russia's Vladimir Putin

The National Hockey League (NHL) clash between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers on Thursday was overshadowed by a deepening crisis on the other side of the world. Late on Wednesday night, Russia invaded Ukraine in a multi-pronged attack that even included missile attacks on Ukrainian targets.

Meanwhile, the sports media members want to hear from Russian-born NHL superstar and Capitals left-winger Alexander Ovechkin. In 2017, the 36-year-old launched a re-election campaign on social media for the President of Russia and the master-mind behind this war, Vladimir Putin.

“I never hid my relationship with our president, always openly supported him,” Ovechkin wrote on Instagram, as transcribed by the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. “I’m certain there are many of us that support Vladimir Putin. Let’s unite and show everyone a strong and united Russia. Today, I want to announce a social movement in the name of the Putin Team.”

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Top tweets demanding Ovechkin to speak-up

Alex Ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin

The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell wrote on Twitter: “Expecting Alex Ovechkin to be available to the media in the coming days. He was requested this AM, but Caps want to keep the focus on tonight’s game vs NYR.

“Ovechkin wants further time before speaking on Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

“Ovechkin’s wife, kids, mom + dad are in Russia.”

The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir tweeted: “Alex Ovechkin was requested but not made available to reporters by the #Caps this morning. Sounds like the expectation is that he’ll take questions at some point soon. His wife, kids and parents are in Russia. My guess is that he wants to be concise when he speaks.”

Here are some of the other messages from media personnel:

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