Alex Ovechkin using record chase to raise money for cancer research

Field Level Media|published: Wed 5th March, 12:03 2025

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

Mar 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington Capitals star captain Alex Ovechkin is turning his pursuit of the NHL record for goals scored into a fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

Ovechkin announced Wednesday the founding of "The GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer," pledging to donate money for each goal he scores from now through the rest of his career to the V Foundation. The money is earmarked toward research for childhood cancer, with 100 percent of funds raised set to go to the cause.

The Capitals captain has 884 career goals, 10 shy of tying legend Wayne Gretzky for the all-time mark.

He will donate an amount equal to his career goal total for every goal he tallies from here on. For his next goal scored, he will give $885, then $886 for the next one and so on.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Capitals, will match Ovechkin's donations.

"I'm proud to join the V Foundation and support their efforts to fund lifesaving cancer research," Ovechkin said in a news release. "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. I want to thank the V Foundation for all their hard work, and 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 also is inviting fans to donate to the cause by donating $8 in honor of his uniform number, or any amount they would like, through the V Foundation website at v.org/GR8chase.

The V Foundation has awarded more than $91 million in pediatric cancer research grants.

Ovechkin, 39, has a history of supporting causes pertaining to children throughout his career with the Capitals, which began in 2005.

He has 31 goals in 45 games this season -- the same amount he recorded in 2023-24 in 79 games.

The Capitals, with 86 points, lead the Eastern Conference and have 21 games remaining in the regular season. Ovechkin's chase resumes Wednesday night at the New York Rangers.

--Field Level Media

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