Alex Ovechkin has been honored with the 2024-25 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. This award celebrates players who demonstrate great leadership qualities and contribute significantly to their communities. Ovechkin, recognized for his infectious personality and passion, has inspired youth in the DMV area. In a congratulatory message, Mark Messier highlighted Ovechkin's growth over two decades as a player and leader, emphasizing his ability to unite his team and chase hockey greatness. Ovechkin expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on his journey and dedication to the game.
Mark Messier: Hey, Alex, it's Mark Messier. Thanks for coming on. I want to congratulate you on being the 2025 Mark Messier Leadership Award winner. You've had, obviously, an amazing career. You've inspired thousands of boys and girls in the DMV area with your infectious personality, your passion for the game. First question I have for you is - what a year you had this year, but what has the last 20 years meant to you and your involvement in that community where you live?
Alex Ovechkin: Yeah, obviously, thank you very much for give me this award. It's a special award. It means a lot. How you said, I play hard every single day since my day one. And it's been hell of a year, what we've been through for these last couple of months, chasing the Great One and passing him. And yeah, it was something special here.
Mark Messier: Well, we've all been privileged to watch you over the last 20 years. And for me personally, to watch your growth, not only as a player, but as a leader, of becoming captain, being a Stanley Cup winner. You involved everybody in the pursuit of Gretzky's record this year.
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