Acquaintance with a parrot, son’s visit to train and fall from a bicycle: how Ovechkin prepares for the new NHL season

The offseason in the National Hockey League (NHL) is coming to an end. Most European hockey players have already returned from travels to their homeland and have joined their teams in training camps.

The main Russian star of the North American championship, Alexander Ovechkin, was no exception. During the holidays, the captain of Washington managed to visit Russia, go on a business trip to China, and these days he is already actively working on the ice with his teammates.

However, the events that occurred during the pause forced the coaching staff of the metropolitan team to resort to small personnel changes. In particular, Ovechkin works separately from the long-term attack assistant Evgeny Kuznetsov. The hockey player, convicted of using drugs, was sent to the “white” group, where Yakub Vrna, TJ Oshi and John Carlson also work. The captain hones his skills in the “blue” group - in the company of Niklas Beckstrom and Tom Wilson.

However, the doping scandal, at the center of which was Kuznetsov, did not affect the love of him from the local public. Fans still warmly support him and sometimes express their respect in very unusual ways. For example, a young Capitals fan and a Russian citizen personally came to the team training with his parrot nicknamed Kelly.

The 16-year-old bird, together with the owner, patiently waited for the favorite player at the exit from the training rink, but instead of Kuznetsov, Ovechkin came out to the public.

Ovi and The Bird pic.twitter.com/54vrleJcal

Wanting to attract the attention of the captain, the boy shouted to him: "Hey, Ovi, there is a big fan with us!", After which the parrot made a loud cry.

The Russian hockey player could not remain indifferent to such guests of the training camp. Ovechkin expressed a desire to get acquainted with the bird, put Callie on his right hand and took a couple of memorable pictures.

Earlier, the preparation of Ovechkin for the season was closely watched by his wife Anastasia Shubskaya and one-year-old son Sergei. For Ovechkin Jr., this visit to his father’s training was the first in his life. The historical moment for the family is captured in the social networks of Anastasia. The Stanley Cup winner showed the heir the base and trophy photo. However, according to Shubskaya, the team’s locker room made the strongest impression on the baby.

Sergei Ovechkin currently getting a tour of @ MedStarIceplex @ ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com / 5ZKoTWuVgZ

The Washington captain traditionally devotes his free time to socializing with his family and various media and social events.

So, Ovechkin became the face of breakfast products. On September 17, on his birthday, oatmeal named after a hockey player will appear on the shelves of the North American chain of Giant Food stores. Boxes with a portrait of Ovechkin and the inscription Ovi Os will cost $ 2.69. Part of the proceeds from their sale will be directed to the Maryland Children's Cancer Fund.

According to the hockey player himself, he agreed to become the face of the product without hesitation.

“The main reason is that in this way we can help children, it is important for us to be able to support those who need help. Especially when it comes to cancer. Well, besides, I really love cereal, ”the NHL website quoted the attacker in Russian.

Alex Ovechkin's “Ovi O's” cereal goes on sale at Giant Food stores throughout the region next week. Here's a preview of this breakfast of champion. Read: https://t.co/qSid9vkmpqpic.twitter.com/3LZibhFreK

The launch of the product was preceded by a large promotional campaign and the shooting of a commercial. In addition, Ovechkin visited a number of schools and for several hours tried on the role of an ordinary cashier. According to the hockey player, this experience was exciting for him.

“It was difficult. I was nervous. Counting money is harder than scoring goals, ”the forward admitted.

Ovechkin is carding this guy pic.twitter.com/dJz0JMeQvZ

Unfortunately for the multimillion-dollar army of Ovechkin fans, recently not all news about him has been positive. Alarming news came from one of the team's training. The partners held a force reception against the captain, after which he left the site, accompanied by doctors. However, later the Capitals press service reassured the public: the hockey player does not experience any health problems and is preparing for the season without restrictions.

The only unpleasant moment is the deep abrasions on the face and hands of Ovechkin. He explained that they appeared on his body as a result of falling from a bicycle. However, such minor damage will not distract him from training and preparing for games.

Just checked with Ovechkin after he came off the ice. He's says his leg is “okay” ... which is better than his nose, chin and eyebrow, which he injured in a bicycle accident last night. “Shit happens,” he cracked. # Capspic.twitter.com / yi4tiStDDt

An important statement quoted by journalist Jay Regan helped the fans of the capital's team to brighten up the annoyance of the idol troubles. The forward assured that he wanted to stay at Capitals and did not intend to sign a contract with another club.

The regular season of the NHL “Washington” will begin on the road. On October 5, the team will play with the New York Islanders.