Alexander Ovechkin

Born in Moscow, Russia on September 17, 1985, Alexander Ovechkin had a dream to make it into the NHL. Starting to play hockey at the age of eight, he was determined to reach his dream. Soon after he started to play his parents decided to not let him play hockey anymore because they were unable to take him to the rink every time.

Later, one of his coaches saw talent in the young skater and insisted his parents let him play. Ovechkin, after missing two years of hockey, returned to it at the age of ten and still was determined to get to the NHL.

At the age of sixteen he made his debut for the Dynamo Moscow team in the Russian Superleague in the 2001-2002 season. In the 2003-2004 season at the age of eighteen, he won the award for the best left wing in the super league and was the youngest player in the history of Dynamo Moscow to lead the team in scoring.

On June 26th 2004, Alexander was drafted 1st overall by the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin had finally reached his goal and was only the second Russian player in history to be selected first overall coming after Ilya Kovalchuk. After the 2004-2005 lockout Alexander Ovechkin played his first game as a Washington Capital and scored two goals on October 5, 2005 against the Columbus Blue Jackets beating them 3-2. Ovechkin was named the rookie of the month for December. On January 13, 2006 Ovechkin had recorded his first career hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks. On February 1, 2006, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors in a single month.

In the 2005-2006 season Ovechkin scored 52 goals and had 106 points, both ranked third all-time among NHL rookies and he led all 2005-2006 NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals, and shots. He finished 3rd overall in scoring and tied for third in goals and his 425 shots not only led the league and set an NHL rookie record, but also was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin’s point total was the second best in Washington Capitals history and his goal total was tied for third in franchise history. Ovechkin received the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's best rookie, and was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team. He was the first rookie named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 15 years.