Feb 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shoots the puck against the St. Louis Blues in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Alex Ovechkin Turns The GR8 Goal Chase into a Fight Against Pediatric Cancer With V Foundation

As Ovechkin nears NHL history, his goals will fuel pediatric cancer research through THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer campaign.

Alex Ovechkin is just a few goals away from making NHL history, specifically 11 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary career goals record. But as he chases greatness on the ice, he’s also turning his journey into a powerful cause off the ice.

Starting Wednesday, every goal Ovechkin scores, not just in his pursuit of Gretzky’s record but for the rest of his career—will contribute to pediatric cancer research. Partnering with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, he has launched THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer.

“I’m proud to join the V Foundation and support their efforts to fund lifesaving 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. 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 said.

Ovechkin wants to use his goal chase to make a real impact by helping kids fighting cancer. He knows how much joy and hope small gestures can bring to them, whether through hospital visits or meeting them at games. For him, this is a chance to do something meaningful, because cancer affects everyone, and finding a cure should be a fight we all take part in.

Alex Ovechkin is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research for the remainder of his NHL career.

As part of THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer® campaign, Ovechkin will donate an amount equal to his career goal total for every goal he scores. pic.twitter.com/Ind9K8S8Ut
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 5, 2025

For every goal he scores, Ovechkin will donate an amount equal to his career goal total, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the Capitals’ ownership group, will match his donation. Fans can also take part by contributing $8—symbolic of Ovechkin’s jersey number—or any amount they choose. The Capitals have ensured that 100% of the donations will go directly to pediatric cancer research.

Ovechkin, now 39, has spent his entire career with the Washington Capitals, scoring 884 goals in 1,471 games. This season alone, he has netted 31 goals in 45 games, keeping him on track to break Gretzky’s record before the season ends. The Capitals, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 39-14-8 record, have 21 games left for Ovechkin to make history.

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The V Foundation, established in 1993 by ESPN and the late coach Jim Valvano, has been a leader in cancer research, funding nearly $400 million in grants. Pediatric cancer research has been a key focus, with over $91 million dedicated to groundbreaking studies.

Amanda Tischler, the Capitals’ senior VP of marketing, shared that this campaign had been months in the making, and for Ovechkin, the decision to focus on pediatric cancer research was deeply personal.

The funds raised will support the Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE Pediatric Cancer Research Grant, helping children and families in their fight against cancer. With Hockey Fights Cancer already raising over $4 million in its first year partnering with the V Foundation, this initiative promises to make an even greater impact.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!