Alex Ovechkin Joins Forces with V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer for THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer

Washington DC – Washington Capitals star forward Alex Ovechkin is launching THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. As Ovechkin nears the National Hockey League’s all-time career goals record, he is teaming up with the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer™, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to support this important cause.

Ovechkin, who is rapidly closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record of 894 goals, has pledged to donate an amount equal to his career goal total for each goal he scores during the remainder of his NHL career. Monumental Sports & Entertainment will match his donations, effectively doubling the contribution. Fans are also invited to support THE GR8 CHASE by donating $8 or any amount they can give to honor Ovechkin’s historic pursuit. Donations can be made at v.org/GR8chase.

Throughout his 20-year NHL career, Ovechkin has met many brave children battling cancer and is dedicated to making a difference. “I’m proud to join the V Foundation and support their efforts to fund lifesaving cancer research,” Ovechkin said. The campaign’s donations will fund the Alex Ovechkin GR8 CHASE Pediatric Cancer Research Grant through Hockey Fights Cancer. Research has significantly improved cancer survival rates among children, with 85% of kids with cancer now surviving five years or more, up from 58% in the 1970s.

Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, expressed excitement about Ovechkin’s involvement: “Alex Ovechkin’s summit to greatness on the ice has been a thrill for all hockey fans, and his commitment to funding innovative pediatric cancer research will make a lifesaving impact for years to come.”

The Capitals and Ovechkin have a rich history of supporting Hockey Fights Cancer. Each season, they host a Hockey Fights Cancer Night to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation also contributes annually to cancer-related charities. To learn more, visit WashCaps.com/CapsFightCancer.

THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer is one of several community initiatives supported by Ovechkin. Since 2006, Ovechkin’s Ovi’s 8’s program has provided underserved children with tickets to Capitals games, and he actively supports the American Special Hockey Association and other organizations that fulfill the wishes of sick children.

Founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in cancer research grants through a competitive process. 100% of direct donations go to cancer research and programs. To learn more, visit v.org.

Founded in 1998 by the NHL and NHLPA, Hockey Fights Cancer has raised over $36 million for cancer research. Last season, the initiative set a fundraising record of over $4 million, with $2.9 million going to lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation.