Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin met an 18-week-old black Labrador puppy named 'Ovi' in his honor on October 18. The naming celebrates Ovechkin's record-breaking 895th NHL goal and his 1,500th career game. The puppy will train to assist a disabled U.S. veteran or first responder through America’s VetDogs.
Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain, had a special encounter with a future service dog named after him during a meet-and-greet on October 18. The puppy, an 18-week-old black Labrador Retriever called 'Ovi,' was named by America’s VetDogs to honor Ovechkin's achievements, including surpassing the NHL's all-time goal record with his 895th career goal last season and becoming the 23rd player to reach 1,500 games on October 25 against the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C.
In a video shared by the Capitals on Instagram, Ovechkin presented the pup with a plush toy of himself and his own Capitals jersey, which Ovi posed in around the team's practice rink. The two even shared a nuzzle, capturing a heartwarming moment.
Ovi is currently being raised by a volunteer puppy raiser in Virginia, where he will spend the next 14-18 months learning basic obedience, house manners, and service dog fundamentals. Afterward, he will return to America’s VetDogs headquarters in New York for advanced training with a certified instructor. Skills will include retrieving dropped items, interrupting nightmares, and opening handicap doors to support a U.S. veteran or first responder with disabilities.
The Capitals have partnered with America’s VetDogs since 2019 through the Puppy with a Purpose program. They helped raise 'Captain,' who was placed with a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and first responder, and 'Biscuit,' now a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The team has boosted awareness and funding via events like Caps Canine nights, and players such as Nic Dowd and Dylan McIlrath have adopted retired service dogs.
"We are honored to name a future service dog ‘Ovi’ in celebration of Alex Ovechkin’s incredible contributions to the sport, but also his legacy of determination and excellence—qualities that mirror the spirit of the life-changing service dogs trained by America’s VetDogs," said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs. "We are also incredibly grateful to the Washington Capitals for their continued partnership and deeply value their long-standing support."
America’s VetDogs, a nonprofit founded over 20 years ago, provides these dogs free of charge, with each costing more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place.