Ovechkin's farewell: NHL legend confirms retirement to leave North America
Photo credit: La Presse
Ovechkin nears Gretzky's record but eyes future in Russia.
In an illustrious career marked by breathtaking goals and relentless pursuit of hockey excellence, Alex Ovechkin stands on the brink of overtaking Wayne Gretzky's iconic NHL goals record.
Yet, even as he edges closer to this historic milestone, Ovechkin contemplates a future away from the North American rinks he has dominated for years.
His retirement, he hints, will also be a farewell to the United States as he plans to return to his roots in Russia.
Ovechkin, currently just 41 goals away from surpassing Gretzky's record, openly shares that his love for the game is what keeps him on the ice.
« As long as I enjoy [playing], as long as I get a thrill out of it, there's no point in finishing," Ovechkin remarked in a statement. »
The Washington Capitals' star reflects on the grueling post-vacation training, questioning the sacrifices before settling back into the familiar rhythm that reaffirms his passion for the sport.
« The hardest period is after vacation. You've played volleyball, gone to the gym for fun, and when you come out [from vacation], you need to run cross-country, lift heavy weights, go on a diet. And then you think: �Why do I need this, I have everything, I have enough of everything.' But after three to four days of suffering like that, you get into a routine and realize that you still love this business. If I didn't love it, I would have finished already, Ovechkin explained. »
In a candid revelation about his post-retirement plans, Ovechkin expresses a deep-seated yearning for his homeland. The gravitational pull of family and familiarity is strong.
« In Russia, all my friends, relatives, Nastya's relatives are here too," he disclosed. "I feel more comfortable in Russia at the moment than there. [When] our season is ending, and we want to fly home right away because we miss home, our family, our friends. »
As the hockey community watches Ovechkin chase down one of sports' most revered records, there's an undercurrent of poignancy to his chase.
Each game could be one step closer to his last in the NHL, making every moment Ovechkin spends on North American ice increasingly precious.
For fans, it's a reminder to treasure these performances from a player whose heart, as much as his talent, has defined his storied career.
Engage with this fleeting era of hockey history; Ovechkin's quest is a live witness to greatness, even as the future beckons him elsewhere.
Source: Marker Zone
Alex Ovechkin confirms his retirement plan: he will be leaving North America
Alex Ovechkin confirms his retirement plan: he will be leaving North America
| POLL | ||
27 JUILLET | 46 ANSWERS Ovechkin's farewell: NHL legend confirms retirement to leave North America Will you miss the NHL without Ovechkin in it? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 30.4 % |
| No | 32 | 69.6 % |
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