“This Is Just So Classy”: Alexander Ovechkin’s Teammates Honor His Late Father With a Heartfelt Tribute, Leaving Fans Emotional

Earlier this month, Capitals’ star player Alexander Ovechkin lost his 71-year-old father. Mikhail Ovechkin passed away on 15th February 2023. Just a day before his passing, Alex Ovechkin left for Russia to attend to his old man. After Papa Ovechkin’s death, Alex’s team Washington Capitals took to their Facebook account to share a video to pay tribute to him.

Earlier today, once again using their Facebook handle, the Capitals introduced an item through which the team will be paying their respects to Ovechkin’s father for the rest of the tournament. Soon after the announcement was made, overwhelmed by the thought, fans took to the comments section to share their sentiments.

Fans get emotional as Washington Capitals pays tribute to Mikhail Ovechkin

On Friday, 24th February 2023, Washington Capitals shared a photo of a black helmet on Facebook. Describing the intention, they wrote in the caption, “The Capitals will wear Papa Ovi stickers on their helmets for the remainder of the season in remembrance of Mikhail Ovechkin.” It didn’t take long for the heartwarming gesture to strike the emotional nerve of the fans. Soon the comments section was filled with fans remembering the hockey dad. Amazed by the act, one fan commented, “This is just so classy and this is why I LOVE HOCKEY!!!”

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Explaining what it means, another fan wrote, “For anyone possibly complaining they had a “coach” sticker or memorial for Oshie dad.” Remembering Papa Ovechkin, one fan commented, “He loved watching his son play and loved going on all the Dads trip and meet all the guys. This is perfect. Rip Papa Ovi.”

A fourth fan wrote, “What a tribute to the Ovi family. Caps are probably one of the most classiest teams in the league.” Another one added, “RIP Papa Ovi. Such a beautiful thing to do.” Thinking about what the atmosphere would be inside the arena, one fan wrote, “I can hear the chant already. ‘Papa Ovi!’ I think 8 is gonna go on a heater the rest of the way.” Appreciating the team’s effort, another one commented, “What a tribute to the Ovi family. Caps are probably one of the most classiest teams in the league.”

Losing his father is an irreplaceable loss for Alexander Ovechkin. However, in this tragic time, he is not alone. Along with the Ovechkin family, his friends, teammates, and fans across the globe are mourning the loss of Papa Ovechkin.

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