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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Chris Michael

Russia’s NHL hero Alex Ovechkin has a rare chance to hit Putin where it hurts

Russia Vladimir Putin NHL Alexander Ovechkin Ukraine Artemi Panarin Capitals Washington Capitals

In 2017, Alexander Ovechkin, inarguably the best Russian hockey player alive or dead and the country’s most famous male athlete, started something called PutinTeam.

“I have never hidden my attitude towards our president, always supporting him,” the Muscovite and captain of the NHL’s Washington Capitals wrote, three years after Russia annexed Crimea. “I am confident that there are many of us, supporting Vladimir Putin. So let’s unite and show everyone a united and strong Russia!”

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