ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — Hundreds of students (895 to be exact) from Arlington elementary schools packed stands to cheer on newly-crowned National Hockey League (NHL) goals leader Alex Ovechkin instead of sitting in their classrooms Wednesday morning.
The special practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington comes just a few days after Ovechkin scored goal number 895, breaking the NHL’s career goals record.
“It’s great, you know, we love it, they love it, it’s a great atmosphere,” Ovechkin said to DC News Now in an interview. “It’s great to be part of it.”
Students made colorful signs for the occasion and screamed as loudly as they could for the Great Eight during Wednesday’s practice.
“I was surprised to actually see him since he just broke Wayne Gretzky’s record. He shot a couple shots that I saw and it was really good,” said fourth grader Dilovan Salih, who caught a puck during Wednesday’s practice.
“I like him because he’s the best goal scorer in hockey!” said fourth grader Youssef Mohamed.
The Washington Capitals organization called it “The Great 895 Field Trip,” and educators with Arlington County Public Schools (ACPS) say they hope Wednesday’s trip will leave students feeling inspired, taking home a few memories and a life lesson or two.
“I think these students can see what you can be with hard work. Following your goals and your dreams, watching someone spend his whole career and life dedicated to sports, and doing something absolutely amazing,” said ACPS health and physical education specialist Jen Shaffer.
The celebration doesn’t stop here, Ovi is set to be recognized during a special ceremony at Thursday’s home game at Capital One Arena, with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
The Capitals are also hosting a party for fans to celebrate alongside Ovechkin himself at Union Station on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., where the team says fans can expect giveaways, games and more.
