atyana Ovechkina opens up about Alex Ovechkin’s career, the Capitals’ future, and their family’s hockey traditions (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
As Tatyana Ovechkina turns 75 on March 19, the two-time Olympic basketball champion and mother of NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin remains deeply connected to the game of hockey. In an exclusive interview with RG, she shares her thoughts on the Washington Capitals, her son’s pursuit of greatness, and the special traditions that have shaped his career.
Having witnessed many different iterations of the Capitals, including their Stanley Cup-winning team in 2018, Ovechkina sees a bright future for the current squad. She has followed the team closely over the years, watching different rosters evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NHL. With a deep appreciation for the team’s hard work, she remains optimistic about their potential.
“They are good guys, all working hard,” she says.
“They’re young, motivated, and have a young coach, Spencer Carbery, who has found his place within this team. The players are close-knit and progressing. Look at how well Alexei Protas is playing this season. He even addresses Sasha with his full name, out of great respect. It’s a good group, and it’s enjoyable to watch them play. Even when they fall behind, they find ways to catch up and sometimes even win. It’s a great team to follow.”
Having spent years watching both thrilling victories and frustrating losses, she knows how important camaraderie and resilience are in a team’s journey. Ovechkina takes pride in seeing how younger players are stepping up and making a difference, helping to shape the Capitals into a competitive squad.
When asked which players, aside from her son, stand out, she hesitates to pick just one. Her admiration for the team as a whole shines through as she acknowledges the contributions of multiple players who have impressed her throughout the season.
“Protas is playing well, and number 24 (Connor McMichael) and number 17 (Dylan Strome) are also performing great. Honestly, the entire Washington team is playing with pride. I really like this group, but I won’t jinx them—the most important thing is making the playoffs.”
Praise for the Washington Capitals
Despite her deep ties to the team, Ovechkina prefers to watch games from a quiet, isolated seat at Capital One Arena. While many fans would expect her to sit in a luxurious box or among the crowd, she values her personal space and the ability to focus on the game without distractions.
“I always sit alone, on the edge of a row. I don’t like sitting in the middle because when fans return from intermission with trays of food, I’d constantly have to get up,” explained Ovechkina. “I remember in my first season, a fan accidentally spilled beer on me while passing by. After that, I asked Sasha to arrange for me to have a seat on the aisle. I like to focus on the game without distractions.”
On top of the great fans of Washington and the members of the Capitals organization, Ovechkina has nothing but praise for Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, especially for his support during a difficult time. Her gratitude toward the organization goes beyond just hockey—it extends to the way they have embraced her family, particularly in moments of hardship.
“He is a wonderful person and treats our family exceptionally well.
When Mikhail Viktorovich (Alexander’s father) passed away, the entire organization showed incredible respect. Fans in the arena held candles in tribute, and they played a touching video on the jumbotron. Washington has been so welcoming to us—it has an amazing atmosphere.”
The way the Capitals honored her late husband left a lasting impact. The tribute, the kindness of the fans, and the unwavering support from the team solidified Washington as more than just a franchise—it became an extended family.
Chasing History
While Wayne Gretzky has never been a guest at their home for a borscht, Ovechkina fondly recalls meeting the Great One back in 2017. The encounter was brief but meaningful, leaving her with a strong impression of one of hockey’s greatest legends.
“We met during the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players ceremony in Los Angeles. There’s a photo of me, Mikhail Viktorovich, and Gretzky sitting at the same table, talking and laughing. He congratulated me on being a two-time Olympic champion,” recalled Ovechkina. “He is such a good person, and his wife is very pleasant as well. We had a wonderful conversation.”
The meeting between two sporting icons underscored the deep respect shared among athletes across generations. Ovechkina’s eyes light up as she reminisces about that evening, reflecting on how special it was to receive recognition from one of hockey’s greatest players.
For as long as Alex Ovechkin has been playing hockey, one tradition has remained unchanged—his pre-game phone call to his mother. No matter how far he has traveled or how intense the competition, this small gesture has remained a comforting constant in his life.
This long-standing tradition is more than just a routine; it is a symbol of their unbreakable bond. While Ovechkin dominates on the ice, his mother’s voice remains a source of stability and encouragement, just as it has been since he was a child chasing his hockey dreams.
With Ovechkin inching closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, the hockey world is watching his every move. But his mother isn’t caught up in the numbers. While fans and analysts crunch statistics and debate timelines, she remains grounded in what matters most—her son’s happiness.
“I just want him to enjoy playing hockey. It’s his life, his game. Why is everyone so obsessed with this record? Forget the record and just let him play hockey. If he needs to, he’ll score as many goals as necessary. The most important thing is that Sasha’s eyes still light up when he plays hockey. Hopefully, everything goes well, the Capitals perform strongly in the playoffs, and my son wins a second Stanley Cup. That would be wonderful. We just have to wish him luck in this tough but exciting journey.”
As Tatyana Ovechkina celebrates her milestone birthday, she remains a pillar of strength and wisdom in her son’s life. From pre-game traditions to quiet observations from the stands, her influence on Alexander Ovechkin extends far beyond the rink. And while the hockey world debates records and legacies, she simply wishes for her son to keep playing with passion and joy—one goal at a time.
Follow the great race in more detail on Team Ovechkin’s Telegram channel.
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
