“The Gr8 Chase” is heating up, with Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin trailing Wayne Gretzky by just 10 goals for the NHL record of 894, and the left winger is putting his money where his puck is. He announced Wednesday that he would donate to cancer research for each goal the rest of his career.
Ovechkin’s donations will match each goal number. The next goal, his 885th, will see a $885 gift, for example. The Capitals plan to match each offering.
Proceeds will benefit the Hockey Fights Cancer charity and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
“Throughout my NHL career, I have met many brave kids battling cancer, and I feel it’s important to do what I can to help save more lives from this horrible disease,” Ovechkin, 39, said in a statement. “I look forward to using my platform and doing anything I can to help further the V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer’s mission.”
Ovechkin and the Capitals are encouraging fans to contribute as well. An $8 donation would be fitting, they said, in honor of the Russian’s jersey number.
“This is a true power play,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “Alex Ovechkin’s summit to greatness on the ice has been a thrill for all hockey fans, and his commitment to funding innovative pediatric cancer research will make a lifesaving impact for years to come.”
The campaign begins Wednesday night when Ovechkin takes the ice at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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