Rotenberg Hails Ovechkin as Legend on 41st Birthday
Roman Rotenberg praised Alexander Ovechkin's career and dedication to youth hockey as the Capitals captain turned 41 on 17 September.
Alexander Ovechkin turned 41 on 17 September, and Roman Rotenberg, first vice-president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, marked the day with a lengthy tribute.
"Happy birthday, Sasha! Today is the birthday of a man who can rightly be called a legend of world hockey while still active. Alexander Ovechkin is a product of the great Dynamo Moscow school, a Stanley Cup winner, three-time world champion, holder of the NHL's top individual awards and the greatest goal-scorer in the league's history. Sasha broke a record that stood for decades, through work, discipline and dedication. But something else matters more. We have known each other for a long time and worked together with the Russia national team at world championships. Over the years I have often seen the attitude Sasha brings onto the ice, how he works and how seriously he treats the team and the result. Ovi does a great deal for the future of our hockey. The Alexander Ovechkin Cup has already become one of the country's leading youth tournaments. Together we hold matches, tournaments and masterclasses, we talk with the kids and try to create new opportunities for them. It matters a great deal for young hockey players to have such a man in front of them, because he is living proof of what can be achieved if you work every day, believe in yourself and never stop. Sasha remains a true patriot of Russian hockey. Wherever he plays and whatever heights he reaches, he always remembers his country, the national team, his home school and our children. Sasha, I wish you health, strength and that same competitive fire that has driven you forward for so many years. May hockey continue to bring you joy, may your family and loved ones always be close, and may there be big goals ahead that make you want to get on the ice and prove again that nothing is impossible for you. Thank you for the friendship, for the work and for everything you do for hockey and our children," Rotenberg said.
The two have worked together on Russia’s staff at past world championships.
The tribute lands less than two weeks after Vladislav Tretiak warned Ovechkin that a future career in the Duma would bring heavy criticism and stress, saying the decision on any post-playing path, including a possible role at the federation, rests with Ovechkin alone. Rotenberg’s message stresses Ovechkin’s ties to Russian hockey.
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