Alexander Ovechkin is no stranger to being viewed as a larger-than-life figure by hockey fans around the world. And, on Friday, the Capitals superstar had the opportunity to make the day of one of biggest fans, 10-year-old actor and youth hockey player Keivonn Woodard.
Recently earning notoriety as “Sam” in HBO’s The Last of Us, Woodard, who is deaf, has also made waves as a forward on the Bowie Hockey Club under-10 team in Prince George’s County, Maryland. During a Friday visit to the Capitals practice facility to meet the team, Woodard came face-to-face with his hero Ovechkin, leading to a heartwarming interaction between the two in the locker room.
Standing mere steps away from his all-time favorite player, a stunned yet smiling Woodard eventually told Ovechkin, “Oh, you’re Ovi,” through an American Sign Language interpreter. The pair then shared a hug before Ovechkin gifted the young actor with an autographed stick, which Woodard examined with glee.
